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The far right English Defence League has been slammed for trying to use last week’s Manchester bomb attack as an excuse to stir up hatred in Liverpool this weekend.

The EDL has confirmed that it will be marching in the city on Saturday - but has been told in no uncertain terms that they are not welcome, by anti-fascist campaigners and city mayor Joe Anderson .

Mayor Anderson has again called on the Government to give him the powers to stop the march from taking place - following violent clashes after a far right march last year.

It is believed that the EDL intend to march from Lime Street station to Derby Square - but they will be met by an opposition protest organised by the Merseyside Unite Against Fascism (UAF) group.

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The UAF have accused the far right group of using the horrific bomb attack in Manchester last week - in which 22 people were killed - as an excuse to “stir up hatred and division on Merseyside.”

In its media briefing announcing the march, the EDL said: “We have all noticed the increase in terrorist-associated activities in the UK, which has been most disturbingly demonstrated by the attack at Manchester Arena on 22 May.

“The English Defence League is unapologetic in its support of the victims and their families, as well as the city of Manchester that has suffered such a terrible loss. This is something that should never have been allowed to happen.”

(Image: James Maloney)

Responding, Sabby Dhalu, UAF Joint Secretary said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed and those injured in Manchester.

“It is extremely distressing that children and young people were targeted in this way.

“Our response to this tragedy must be to reject the hatred of the perpetrators and those who seek to use this tragedy to divide us and for all communities to stand together.”

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Mayor Anderson has not been afraid to take on the far right in the past.

After violent clashes between neo-Nazis and anti-fascists outside St George’s Hall - which led to 34 arrests - the mayor said he should be given power by the Home Office to ultimately ban such groups from demonstrating in the city.

And it is a call he has repeated ahead of Saturday’s planned march.

He said: “My first job as leader of this city is to guarantee the safety of the people here and if I can’t do that then I should be given the power to ban outright far right groups like this from coming here - because there is a real danger to public safety.

“I have again written to the Government saying this isn’t about freedom of speech, its about a group that wants to intimidate and bully people.

“These people are not welcome here and they know that - it is frustrating that the government is allowing them to come and not giving me the power to stop them.”

He added: “It will also take up vital resources from the police - who should be focusing on keeping people safe at the moment.”

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police will be facilitating a procession organised by the English Defence League (EDL) in Liverpool city centre on Saturday, 3 June 2017.



"The English Defence League has provided formal notification of its intentions to protest and we can confirm the event is lawful and compliant with the Human Rights Act 1998 incorporating freedom of thought, expression, and assembly. Discussions are underway to ensure this procession causes minimum disruption for local communities and businesses in the city centre.



"The force will continue to work with the organisers of the procession and officers will be deployed for the duration of the parade to help facilitate the peaceful passing of the event. It is expected that there will be a counter demonstration, and all reasonable efforts are being made in a bid to engage with those parties who may be involved in the counter demonstration, to facilitate their lawful and peaceful protest.



"If a counter demonstration does take place on the day Merseyside Police will ensure all parties involved in both events uphold the law. It is important that we keep disruption to residents, businesses and visitors to a minimum and we will be working with partners to do all we can to achieve this.



"We will not tolerate acts of anti-social behaviour and we will be robust with anyone who behaves inappropriately.



"Police will continue to monitor the situation throughout Saturday, as the safety of the public is paramount. "