TWO protests in Wembley have been scrapped after the keynote speaker at a peace conference was banned from the UK.

Dr Zakir Naik, a Muslim cleric due to speak at Wembley Arena this Saturday to the Al-Khair Peace Conference, was last week banned from entering the country by new Home Secretary Theresa May.

A protest by the English Defence League (EDL) against the conference has already been shelved, with supporters instead heading to Barking that day for a rally.

And last night Unite Against Fascism (UAF) scrapped its plans for a counter-demonstration, and will also head to Barking.

Dr Naik is mounting a legal challenge against the banning order, but until that has been resolved, the conference, organised by Croydon-based charity the Al-Khair Foundation, has been “put on hold”.

Dr Naik said he was “disappointed” with Mrs May's decision, made because of “unacceptable behaviour”, and sought through a statement to dispel the belief that he is a radical Muslim who supports terrorism.

He said: “I encourage all Muslims to serve their country with dignity and honour and my message to vulnerable young British Muslims is that terrorism and violent extremism, is totally unacceptable and has no place in Islamic life.”

There had been fears the two protests outside the conference could spell trouble, as on previous occasions when the organisations have met, there have been violent scenes and police have been forced to make arrests.

A spokesman for the EDL told the Harrow Times that his group is peaceful and not intent on violence, and pointed to a peace march by the UAF in East London at the weekend, where police were attacked by some youths who had turned up to the event.

The situation may change between now and Saturday, as both the EDL and UAF have declared themselves ready to turn out in Wembley if needs be.