"We the undersigned strongly oppose plans by the 'English Defence League' (EDL) - a group linked to the fascist British National Party (BNP) - to demonstrate in Bradford on 28th August.

The EDL is a racist group dedicated to attacking Asian people and Muslims. Islamophobia - bigotry against Muslims - is as unacceptable as any other form of racism. Its aim is to divide us by making scapegoats of one community, just as the Nazis did with the Jews in the 1930s.

Today they threaten Muslims. Tomorrow it could be Jewish people, Hindus, Sikhs, black people, lesbians & gay men, travellers or Eastern Europeans. There is no place for Nazis, racists or the BNP in Bradford's multi-racial, multicultural and multi-faith community.

We also urge people to attend the peaceful 'We are Bradford' multicultural celebration to be held in the city centre on August 28th."