LABOUR politicians opposing an anti-mosque rally will demonstrate alongside anti-fascist campaigners.

Stop Islamisation of Europe (SIOE) says Islamaphobia is the “height of common sense” and plans to hold a protest outside Harrow Central Mosque, in Station Road, on December 13.

The religious institution has appealed for its own supporters to stay away but Unite Against Fascism (UAF) has vowed to hold a counter-demonstration.

Councillor Navin Shah, London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow, said it was inevitable that an opposition protest would take place, and he and other Labour politicians would turn out to back the mosque.

He said he would support anybody showing solidarity with any faith group challenged by SIOE, as long as they did it peacefully.

He said: “As a Labour party elected member I will be there. I will therefore be demonstrating – it can only be described as that – but I will not be supporting any form of violence or act of antisocial behaviour.”

Councillor Bill Stephenson, leader of Harrow Council's Labour group, said he would also be out on the street to show his support.

The two politicians were among a delegation that met Commander Bob Broadhurst, in charge of public order policing at the Met, to discuss the strategy for the day.

They said the discussion was reassuring.

The protest will be at 2pm, in Station Road, opposite the mosque.

SIOE held another demonstration on September 11, when violent scenes marred efforts to present a united front.