The leader of the English Defence League has accused armed forces charity Help for Heroes of “political correctness gone mad” after it refused a donation from the group.
EDL leader Stephen Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, announced he was planning a sponsored walk across London in memory of Drummer Lee Rigby, the soldier killed in Woolwich last week.
But the charity has refused to take any money raised.
EDL members clashed with police on Wednesday night after Mr Lennon called on supporters to gather in Woolwich.
And hundreds of EDL went to Downing Street yesterday to call for action against Islamic extremists. An anti-fascist counter-demonstration was also held and three arrests were made after violence broke out.
A Help for Heroes spokesman said: “Help for Heroes is a non-political organisation. Working with the assistance of JustGiving, we closed down a fundraising account which we believe the English Defence League intended to use to donate money to us.
“We acted swiftly to achieve this, and would like to make it clear that we will not accept donations from organisations who attempt to use Help for Heroes to promote their own political agenda.
“Like everyone, we were shocked by the murder in Woolwich. Like everyone, we just want to help our wounded servicemen, women, veterans and their families.
“We hope that everyone who cares passionately about this important issue shows that support in a unified and dignified way.”
Mr Lennon tweeted: “EDL is not a political party, I will still be doing my walk. Gutted really.”