A coalition of mosques in Stockport has lodged a formal complaint with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, urging an urgent investigation into the anti-Muslim “Unite the Kingdom” rally held in London on September 13.
The letter signed by Dr. Usman Choudry on behalf of Stockport Mosques, accuses the event of fostering “explicit anti-Muslim hatred, dehumanising rhetoric and direct calls for the expulsion of Muslims,” causing “deep hurt, fear and insecurity across Muslim communities nationally, including here in Stockport.”
Representing congregations and leadership from seven mosques – Stockport Jamia Masjid, Cheadle Masjid, Masjid Quba (SMMCA), Heatons Muslims Community Trust (HMCT), Stockport Muslim Foundation, Gatley Masjid and Elaf Masjid – the group expressed alarm at the rally’s scale and tone.
“As faith leaders responsible for the safety and wellbeing of thousands of Muslim residents in Stockport, we are both alarmed and profoundly distressed by the events that unfolded in central London on that day,” the letter states. “The scale and tenor of the rally, billed by its organisers as a ‘free speech festival’ yet dominated by [hate speech], has caused deep hurt, fear and insecurity.”
The complaint highlights specific speeches, alleging they incited violence.
Belgian far-right politician Philip Dewinter is quoted saying: “It has to be clear that Islam is our real enemy, we have to get rid of Islam. Islam does not belong in Europe and Islam does not belong in the UK.”
Elon Musk claimed: “The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder… Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or die.”
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New Zealand’s Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki declared: “This is a religious war… We’ve got to clean our countries up. Get rid of everything that doesn’t receive Jesus Christ. Ban any public expression of other religions in our Christian nations. Ban halal. Ban burqas. Ban mosques, temples, shrines — we don’t want those in our countries.”
Valentina Gomez said: “England belongs to the English. It’s either now or never, because if these rapist Muslims take over, they will not only rape your women, they will behead your sons, just like they did on October 7th in Israel.”
In the letter, Stockport Mosques demands to know if those who delivered hate speeches and incitement to violence are being prosecuted.
They request a full investigation into potential criminal offences under the Public Order Act 1986 and hate crime laws, asking for confirmation on whether the named speakers’ remarks are under review for prosecution.
The letter also questions the entry of foreign extremists, stating: “It is deeply troubling that foreign speakers who openly espouse extreme anti-Muslim views were invited and allowed to address the crowd.”
They are seeking confirmation of pre-event risk assessments with the Home Office and Border Force, requesting disclosure of inter-agency evaluations.
The rally’s impact has also led to increased security at Stockport mosques.
“The atmosphere and chants at the rally have absolutely led to widespread fear among Muslim communities. We have had to increase security presence at our mosques,” the complaint notes.
“This was not merely an exercise in free speech; it was an organised event that targeted a faith community and normalised hate in public discourse,” the letter said. “Allowing such events to proceed without robust legal and policing challenge sends a message to minority communities that they are second-class citizens.”
The letter concluded: “We understand the difficult balance the police must strike between protecting free expression and protecting vulnerable communities from hate and intimidation. However, the events of 13th September demonstrably crossed that line, and we now require decisive, transparent action to ensure accountability, deter future incidents, and restore public confidence.”
The Metropolitan Police has yet to respond publicly.
