Former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson joined 200 supporters of the controversial PEGIDA organisation today to protest against the ‘growing influence Islam has on society’.
The far-right anti-Islamic group conducted a silent march from Birmingham International train station to a remote business park outside the city centre.
EDL founder Tommy Robinson stood at the front of the group holding a banner which read: ‘Protect freedom. Reject hate’.
Speaking to reporters before he addressed around 200 supporters from a makeshift stage, he said: ‘PEGIDA is exactly what it says, patriotic European citizens opposed to the Islamisation of the England and the rest of the continent.
‘We are ordinary people, we are opposed to the Islamisation of not just our country but the rest of Europe.
‘We are part of the European Union so it affects us, what decision Angela Merkel makes they affect us here.
‘We have got many different races here today, I dont incite any hate, I oppose hate. I would like you to tell me what have I said that is hatred.
‘I have never been anti-immigration, my mum was an immigrant to the UK. I have never said I am either.
‘I am opposed to Islamisation. I don’t care who comes into the country as long as they are not coming in to cause us harm.
‘The growing influence Islam has on society is not good for society. The more Islam, the less freedom, that is a reality.