The one image that sums up Birmingham's response to EDL march

Sign up for the Independent Women email for the latest news, opinion and features Get the Independent Women email for free Get the Independent Women email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An image shared by thousands of an incensed English Defence League member head to head with an apparently calm but disdainful counter-protester has perfectly encapsulated Birmingham’s response to a march by the far-right group. After the EDL announced it would be holding a rally in Birmingham on Saturday, a local mosque opted to counter the far-right group’s antagonism with a “best of British” tea party. The mosque’s chairman, Muhammad Afzal, said: “We are just holding this event to show EDL that Birmingham is a peaceful city and we are all united irrespective of colour, race or religion.” Local Labour MP Liam Byrne said the simple civility of the tea party, which saw a mixed crowd enjoy tea and cake in the sun, was able to counter the divisive message of the EDL rally. While the EDL demonstration had originally been arranged to take place in the East Midlands, it was moved to Birmingham city centre after the Westminster terror attack to highlight what the group describes as a "continued increase in Islamic terrorism" linked to the city.