Bradford marches banned

Anti-Nazi protestors were planning to hold counter rallies

Home Secretary David Blunkett has banned all marches through Bradford for three months.

The decisions means a proposed procession by the National Front on Saturday will not go ahead.

West Yorkshire Police had applied to the Home Office for special powers to prevent rallies planned by the extreme right-wing group, and the Anti-Nazi League and the TUC.

The force said: "We made representations to the local authority because we do not want to see incidents of violence and disorder that have been seen in other cities repeated in Bradford.

"West Yorkshire Police will not tolerate racism or incitement to cause racial hatred."

Mohammed Riaz: "Democracy has it limits"

Speaking before Mr Blunkett's announcement, Mohammed Riaz, the Conservative party candidate for Bradford West at the general election, said Saturday's march should be banned.

"The last thing we want is racial tension between the two communities which have lived side-by-side in the city for nearly 60 years. Democracy has its limits."

Attique Siddique, from Bradford's Anti Nazi League, had promised resistance if the march went ahead.

"There will certainly be an assembly point for anti-racists. It's vitally important that we do have a presence against the National Front."

Burnley ban

Police and council officials in Burnley put forward a similar request to the home secretary last week.

Mr Blunkett granted the police special powers to ban marches and outdoor meetings in the town until 27 September following race riots.

Under two sections of the 1986 Public Order Act, people who do not respond to orders to move on by police can be arrested.