To ask whether I should just turn around and go home.

[indianbackground]

I’m on my way to Leeds, on the bus. Didn’t realise I’ll arrive to an EDL March. Think there is a Stop Racism one as well. I’m sure there will be many police. I’m wavering between just get off and get bus in other direction partly I need some stuff, not letting EDL win and thinking it might actually be safer due to lots of police

God I hate this decision

Should have highlighted my username Indianbackground

I'd go home.

I am so sorry that in this day and age, you still have to put up with this shit.

There’s also another March/meeting by Lesbians which TRA are rumoured to be planning to disrupt.
Given all that I wouldn’t go unless it was necessary

In all honesty I wouldn't feel safe near to an EDL march and whilst I don't believe you ought to change your plans because of fuckers like them, I also don't think you ought to put yourself in potential danger.

Are you meeting friends in Leeds? Do you know the designated route the march will take so you can avoid it?

I think there's three different marches today. If you stick to trinity centre you'll be fine, but stay clear of Briggate, that's where they all seem to go. They're usually done pretty quickly though. Don't let vile humans stop you from doing what you want. It's obviously an awful situation and I'm sorry scum like that still exist.

I am so sorry this is even a decision you need to be making.

There will be a Stop Racism rally too. They are always arranged at the same time as the EDL marches and the people on the Stop Racism rally ALWAYS far outweigh the racist EDL ignorant fuckers.

Not meeting anyone. Will be in Trinity which is a shopping centre. Think I’ll get to the bus station and go back (more choices of buses or if there is a bus go to the out of town one in Leeds.

@indianbackground you can always get on a bus to white rose? It's not the same but still a nice day out for shopping

I was in london a couple of weeks back and there was an edl 'rally' happening near the bbc hq. Me and DS were having lunch.
One of them got arrested and came past us, surrounded by millions of police and a handful of protestors in scarves covering their faces. I stood up, applauded the police loudly for getting fascists off the streets then shouted 'cowards -uncover your faces !' At the masked twats. They looked rather surprised to be harangued by a midfdle aged woman.
Get off the bus and give them hell, I say. Bastards.

DS16 seemed quite impressed and posted on insta

Decided to just head back home, we’ll local town. I can always go tomorrow. If I wasn’t on my own I would probably have stayed. No excuse not to do laundry and the food shop now.

I’ve been around strong police presence. That and marchers (even peaceful or supportive) can be quite intimidating. A nice cuppa and a magazine

No need to worry! I have looked at their website and they are a 'peaceful and committed to non-violence'

I reality it will be probably be a few dozen men and a few women from the lower end of the gene pool who feel excluded from mainstream society. There lots of polyester sportswear that has never seen a gym or sports field and some incomprehensible shouting.

That’s awful OP 😢

Don't let it get to you OP - enjoy your day at home. They aren't worth it.

I agree with going with your gut. Just as I agree with those who stand up and express their views.

Your own gut feeling has been proven to be one the best overall indicators of how to keep yourself safe. It is a different feeling to different people in each situation or scenario faced. But I believe YOU know what is best for YOUR mental and physical safety.

So well done, you calmly made you decision.

I went into town once it knowing there was one on....it wasn't bad but it's up to you fucking arseholes.

This suuuuucks hope you are okay

As a brown person I would have also turned back, it just isn’t worth the risk.

Oh no Op don't go home. Unbelievable we have to live in times like this... Makes me sick and angry.

Personally I would go about my own business and ignore them.

I agree with widgetbeans: you did the right thing for you & I hope you end up having a lovely day.

It's awful that you should feel you can go about your business without fear of intimidation. These people are absolute brain dead zombies. Here's a pic of the incredible Saffiyah Khan from last year. Hope it gives you some strength and comfort ❤️

I ended up somehow in the middle of one last year with my niece I had to explain it to her but it was heartbreaking her asking why people hate her because of her skin colour

Although I’d like to have pushed on and it would likely have been very safe I also didn’t fancy the crowds that would gather for that and a couple of other demos. I can go tomorrow.

Thank you for all the support and I know a lot of MNetters campaign to stop extremism and the EDL march might be dwarfed by the police.

I'm glad you turned back-

my strapping white DS was once on a bus that drove through one of those marches and it scared him half to death!

Why risk it? But awful in England in 2019 I even have to post this!!