EDL

Here is the latest offering in our 'In Conversation' pieces. Today we managed to catch half an hour out of a very busy day in the life of Stoke-on-Trent's new Chief Executive John Van de Laarschott. As you will be aware if you read this site, I have been very impressed with John.

The BNP are denying any involvement with the EDL, yet at least 2 BNP councillors from Stoke-on-Trent City Council were present at the EDL rally in Hanley on 23 January On his personal blog, Councillor Mike Barnes writes, [quote]The BNP apparently are denying any involvement or attendance of the English Defence League Rally in Stoke-on-Trent on January 23 2010. Well take a close look at this picture I took and posted on my twitter as it happened.

In our 'In Conversation' General Election Special Series we bring you this 3 part video interview with the Conservative PPC for Stoke-on-Trent North Andy Large. Andy gives us his open and honest views on his chances against stalwart Labour MP Joan Walley. We also hear how, in Andy's opinion, the regeneration of Stoke North is key to the future and the aspirations of the electorate.

In our 'In Conversation' General Election Special Series we bring you this 3 part video interview with Rob Flello MP [Labour]. Rob has served the people of Stoke-on-Trent since 2005. In this Interview he gives us his thoughts on a wide range of subjects like, The EDL, the BNP, The Conservatives and the 2 Independent candidates he is likely to face.

Thursday's Full Council started with a vote of thanks for the Police handling of last weekend's EDL rally. Deputy Leader Brian Ward applauded the Police and Council partnership working arrangements on the build up and the actual day. Many councillors agreed with Cllr Wards sentiments.

We here at PitsnPots are proud to be local "Citizen Journalists" who work hard to bring the exclusive stories to our community. Following the E.D.L protest in Hanley on Saturday 23rd January 2010. We wanted to speak with the leader of the E.D.L, Tommy Robinson so that you could hear from his own mouth just what the E.D.L are all about and what their aims are/were. Listen to the Interview and make up your own mind.

MP for Stoke on Trent South Rob Flello has called for Home Secretary Alan Johnson to make a urgent statement concerning the English Defence League demonstration in Hanley on Saturday. He also expressed concern at the level of violence displayed by some of its followers. Mr Flello asked Speaker John Bercow:

"It is a peacefeul protest", and only a "minority" are troublemakers, it was claimed by EDL leaders ahead of the 'demonstration' on Saturday. Well I assure you, that was far from being the case. As a business-owner in Hanley, I was directly affected by events, and witnessed much of the drama caused by factions of the English Defence League as they caused carnage around the city centre, as well as surrounding areas. And it was a sad, sad day - without any exaggeration.