A London deputy mayor has called out instances of Islamophobia she said were on display at the recent Unite the Kingdom rally, adding they do not “reflect London at all”, while she celebrated Eid in Trafalgar Square.
The 20th annual Eid In The Square festival in central London on Saturday marked the end of Ramadan – Islam’s holy month of fasting.
Two weeks ago, the same square was home to activist Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom march, where speakers called for Islam to be “removed” from Parliament, and insisted it was “time” for Muslims to leave the country.
Debbie Weekes-Bernard, London’s deputy mayor for communities and social justice, said that rhetoric was “not the London” that she knows.
“We know that there was a lot of Islamophobia on display and that is not something we stand for here,” she said.
The deputy mayor pointed out that Eid In The Square was a way for people to “come together” and celebrate the Muslim communities in London.
The celebration had musical performances, food stalls, art installations and a Muslim girls fencing team exhibition.
Ms Weekes-Bernard said: “Events like this are really important when those sorts of things happen because it sends a really clear message that this is a city which values diversity which knows that diversity is what keeps it going, what keeps it ticking, what keeps it moving but also what keeps it vibrant.
“We will always continue to celebrate that diversity and we will never use those differences and exploit them, we will celebrate them but at the same time always talk about what brings us together as humans.
“The fact that we are all Londoners and the fact that there are more people who support and value our Muslim community here in London than there are who do not.”
Acts including British musician Khaled Siddiq, Danish rapper Isam B and the London Arab Orchestra performed on the main stage at Eid In The Square.
In between performances, a message from London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan played through the speakers.
“All, regardless of faith, race or background are welcome,” he said.
