Tommy Robinson Stands Down From The EDL
The leader of the campaign group, and a senior colleague, announce their decision to quit due to 'extremist elements'.English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson has announced he is quitting the organisation.

Mr Robinson, who set up the anti-Islamist group in 2009, said the EDL had becoming increasingly influenced by extreme elements that did not represent what he stood for.

'I apologise for the fact that what I've said has not resonated individually with Muslims,' he told journalists at a press conference.

'I don't hate Muslims. Luton is a completely multicultural town and from day one we've wanted to embrace everyone; all colours and creeds.

'I have a passion to combat Islamist ideology and I want to lead a revolution against that ideology, but I don't want to lead a revolution against Muslims.'

Mr Robinson said he took time to evaluate his position after spending 18 weeks in solitary confinement, following a conviction for travelling on someone else's passport. 'I thought about how I'd neglected my wife, my children and my family and I asked myself a lot of questions. I've got three young children. I want what's best for them

He added that in order to solve what he sees as the problem of Islamist extremism in Britain, he needs to work with Muslims not against.