I was horrified to see that the English Defence League has decided to establish a presence in Thanet, not least with an intention to disrupt Friday prayers at the Mosque.
Let's be very frank and clear with the EDL - You are not welcome in Thanet and Thanet wants nothing to do with your organisation. I am sure that this sentiment is shared by all political parties and community organisations across the Isle.
While I am not someone who wants to curb freedom of speech and am very reluctant to ban organisations or stifle debate that does not mean that one should not confront prejudice and racism head on when one sees it.
The pathetic approach of the ring leader of the organisation calling himself Pat Riot - as if they represent any patriotic movement - is a desperate attempt to associated themselves with what being proud in this country represents.
Being patriotic is about celebrating what is special about Britain - and Britain's successes. Britain is a country of many races and origins - blending tolerance and opportunity to bring the best out of each other. If there was any place that better represented the value of incomers it would be Thanet. It was here on our little Isle of Thanet that England was born - not emerging from an indigenous group of people already residing in this country - but by a band of foreigners called the Engels who came from abroad and set up their base in Thanet. Ironic that the EDL should think that Thanet would show them any welcome!