The English Defence League (EDL) was a far-right, anti-Islam/Islamophobic organization founded in 2009 in Luton, England, emerging as a response to perceived threats of Islamic extremism and Islamization in the United Kingdom. Initially presenting itself as a single-issue pressure group focused on opposing Islamism and radical Islam, the EDL quickly broadened its rhetoric to target Islam and Muslims more generally, fostering an environment of anti-Muslim sentiment. The group was known for aggressive street protests against perceived Islamization in the UK, which often involved chants, banners, and clashes with counter-demonstrators and police. It attracted a diverse but predominantly working-class membership, including football hooligans and disaffected youth. Controversies included allegations of racism, violence, and links to neo-Nazi elements, with several high-profile incidents leading to arrests and bans. Critics condemned the EDL for promoting hate speech and Islamophobia, while the group denied being racist, claiming to defend Western values. The EDL's activities peaked in the early 2010s with large demonstrations in cities like Birmingham, London, and Manchester, protesting against mosques, Sharia law, and perceived Islamist events. These protests frequently descended into disorder, resulting in injuries, property damage, and legal repercussions. The organization was led by figures such as Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), who stepped down in 2013, after which the group fragmented. The EDL maintained an online presence but faced deplatforming efforts. Investigations revealed ties to international far-right networks, and the group was proscribed or monitored by UK authorities under anti-terrorism laws. By the mid-to-late 2010s, the EDL had largely disbanded or gone dormant, with its influence waning amid internal divisions, leadership scandals, and the rise of splinter groups. Allegations of financial impropriety and criminal involvement persisted among former members. The EDL's legacy endures in the broader landscape of UK far-right activism, contributing to the normalization of anti-Islam discourse and influencing subsequent movements. Despite its decline, it remains a case study in the dynamics of populist extremism and the challenges of countering hate groups.