Two Britain First members were banned from going near any mosque in the UK and entering London as part of their bail conditions after being arrested outside East London Mosque on Saturday 9th April.
The Police arrested the two after unrest outside the mosque in Whitechapel. A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and a 41-year-old man on suspicion was arrested of going equipped to cause criminal damage. Both were released without charge but were given bail conditions.
On Tuesday 12th April, Tower Hamlets Council and the Police said they were considering using new legal powers, known as ‘Community Protection Notices’, to curb Britain First’s activities. Passed in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the measures are intended to “prevent unreasonable behaviour that is having a negative impact on the local community’s quality of life”.
Mayor Biggs said: “The hatred and division of Britain First has no place in Tower Hamlets. We are pursuing a Community Protection Notice, which would block behaviour that has a detrimental effect on quality of life. This may take some time to implement and we are working together with police and other agencies to expedite it.
“I stand in solidarity with all residents of Tower Hamlets, and particularly our Muslim community, who feel threatened by the provocative actions of Britain First. We must continue to send the strong message that Britain First is not welcome in any corner of our borough.”
