Taxpayer Money Wasted To Bus EDL Supporters

Manchester Evening News has reported that police paid £2,500 to bus hundreds of English Defence League (EDL) supporters into Manchester for a protest march, according to the M.E.N.

Around 700 members of the right-wing group were brought from across Manchester city centre on taxpayer funded double-deckers, last month.

The demonstration, which also attracted anti-fascist opponents, cost Greater Manchester Police more than £50,000 overall. £35,000 went on staff overtime alone.

The M.E.N. obtained figures under freedom of information laws showing the cost to the police for controlling the event. The bill, excluding VAT, was £35,360 for police overtime, £6,774 for vehicle hire, including £2,560 for six buses to transport EDL protesters, £6,247 for food and drink provisions for all operational staff and £2,840 for equipment (metal fencing) and misc costs.

City figures have slammed the EDL for draining the public purse.

Further reading:

1. Taxpayers foot £2.5k bill to bus far-right EDL to march