CLAIMS that a gay and lesbian solidarity march planned for the weekend is a ‘front’ for far-right political organisations have been denied.

A main organiser of Saturday’s march through Stockton town centre admits he is a member of nationalist organisation Pegida and anti-Sharia (strict Muslim law) group Sharia Watch but he argues they not far right groups.

However Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, has said; “there is no place for any group to claim support for one particular cause as a distraction to indulge in fascist behaviour.”

The march by the LGBT Stockton on Tees group has organised in solidarity with victims of the Orlando nightclub atrocity.

But an article in gay rights newspaper Pink News cites a report by anti-extremism research body, Tell MAMA, which has Government-backing and said some of march’s organisers were English Defence League members.

That has been rejected by organiser Tommy ‘English’ whose real name has been published as Tommy Cook in Pink News although he denies he uses a false name. Speaking to The Northern Echo he said: “The walk is not a front for any organisation left or right. This is completely independent. In regards to this being an anti-Muslim march nothing could be further from the truth.

“I have contacted some left wing groups and told them what the march is all about but they are just not interested, they have called me a racist. A few left wing activists accepted what the walk is about but most have decided to brand me and attack people who are attending as Nazis.”

Alex Cunningham said: “I recognise the importance of all groups having the freedom to demonstrate and express their legitimate views, but there is no place for any group to claim support for one particular cause as a distraction to indulge in homophobic, racist or fascist behaviour on our streets or anywhere else. I know the police and local council will do all they can to ensure a peaceful demonstration, and I would appeal to everyone involved on demonstrations or counter-demonstrations to put our Stockton community first and not do anything to endanger our people.”

A spokesman for Left-wing campaign group, Teesside People’s Assembly, said: “We condemn this disgusting attempt to exploit the tragedies in Orlando and Nice in order to create tensions in the local community.”

The silent march will take place from the train station from 2pm.