A LEADING Harrow councillor has criticised opposition politicians who plan to join an anti-fascist protest this weekend.

Top Labour councillors Navin Shah and Bill Stephenson said last week they intend to demonstrate alongside members of Unite Against Fascism (UAF) on Sunday, December 13.

The UAF rally has been organised to counter a planned protest by Stop the Islamisation of Europe (SIOE), an islamophobic group who want to demonstrate outside Harrow Central Mosque.

However Councillor Susan Hall, deputy leader of the council, accused Labour of “grandstanding” and of ignoring the pleas of mosque leaders for Harrow residents to stay away from the area on Sunday.

She said: “It is the most irresponsible course of action they could possibly take.

“The mosque itself has clearly stated that the best way people can help on the day is by staying away, but it would appear they are not listening to reason.

“What’s more, this sort of posturing is utterly counter-productive.”

Sunday's rallies come just three months after SIOE tried to protest outside the mosque, in Station Road, on September 11.

The handful of people who turned up for SIOE were hounded out of town by hoards of young Asian men, some of whom had armed themselves in anticipation of violence.

Scenes then turned ugly as groups of the men – spoiling for a fight – turned their anger and frustration on police by pelting them with sticks, stones, and bottles.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson became the latest high-profile figure last night to urge people to stay away from the mosque on Sunday, telling the Harrow Times the police should be trusted to protect the mosque.

While Navin Shah, Labour assembly member for Brent and Harrow, insisted he would not support any violence and anti-social behaviour, Cllr Hall said his presence would be enough to exacerbate the situation.

She said: “I once again urge the Labour group and indeed all members of the public to heed the mosque’s plea and keep away on December 13, as doing anything else has the potential to make the situation worse.”