NF march banned by Home Secretary

| Tuesday, 27 June 2006 Source: BBC News

The Home Secretary John Reid has banned a march planned for Bedfordshire by the extreme right-wing National Front.

Bedfordshire Police applied to the Home Office to ban Saturday's event amid concerns from council leaders and race relations officials in Luton.

The application by police and Luton Borough Council was made under the Public Order Act, and followed fears for public safety.

It means police can arrest anyone gathering for a procession or march.

Ch Supt Ivor Twydell said there would be a "significant police presence" in the town on Saturday to reassure local people.

He said: "This will send a very clear message to those members of the National Front that they are not welcome in this town.

"The police, council and residents of Luton are united in our belief that no positives can be taken from a National Front demonstration being allowed to go ahead in Luton.

"This decision to seek a ban has not been taken lightly. However, our priority must be the concerns of the people who live in the town."