Is the Far Right on the Rise?

20th March 2010, Bolton. The English Defense League (EDL) clash with Unite Against Fascism (UAF). The controversial Right-wing group EDL organised the rally. A counter-demonstration by UAF was held, and hundreds of police officers battled to keep control of the rival groups.

Clearly, there is a growing sense among sectors of society that prominent UK politicians are not speaking to them. These are worrying scenes. The Telegraph reports...

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan, from Greater Manchester Police, who is leading the policing operation, said: "There have been unwarranted attacks on police lines that have resulted in injuries.

I am determined to identify the offenders by whatever means and bring them to justice."

Riot police and mounted officers armed with batons confronted the crowds in front of the town hall.

Weyman Bennett, the UAF joint secretary who organised the protest, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit violent disorder, police said.

Two UAF demonstrators have been taken to hospital, one with a minor head injury and the other with a minor ear injury, police said.

Second World War veteran Bertie Lois, 89, who lives in Farnworth, Bolton, protested with the UAF.

He said: "I fought the Second World War against these Nazis. What did I fight for if we let them? The EDL are the enemy. I would say to them 'you are the guys we fought for, what are you doing?'

"I am also here because I am against the war in Afghanistan."

The EDL describes itself as a peaceful, non-political group campaigning against "militant Islam".