Jeddy "they are sort of a more honest version of the BNP."

The EDL are every bit as dishonest as the BNP. Both groups claim not to be anti-Islamic, but the actions of both groups completely belie their stance. "EG., the BBCs'File on Four recently did an expose of the EDL. The programme played a recording of some of these "patriots" chanting "Allah, Allah. Who the fuck is Allah?". If that's an example of religious tolerance, leave me out.

Is the EDL a BNP front? I'm not sure. I certainly hear a lot of BNP rhetoric in the things they say, and the way they say them. And I'm pretty convinced that large numbers of EDL supporters are also BNP members.

Overall, I don't think it's important whether the EDL is allied to the BNP, officially or otherwise. Historically, fascist parties, whether or not they try to pursue a constitutional road to power, have always had their paramilitary thugs. The BNP is different in that public opposition to fascism has forced it to at least try and pass itself off as non-violent and non-paramilitary. Well, given the amount of verbal excrement they come out with, and the hatred they've been whipping up, the emergence of something like the EDL was inevitable. So whether the far right wanted a para-military wing or not, it has now got one.

BTW., for anyone going to Manchester tomorrow. The word on the grapevine is that it is likely to be pretty violent. And the violence wil be coming not just from the fascists, but from nutters among our own ranks, who are hell bent on causing trouble.

If you're going, take care, and don't get involved in any confrontations. Mixing it with them will do our cause no good at all.