The family of Lee Rigby has condemned far-right party Britain First after an election broadcast used the soldier’s murder in Woolwich to promote its political message ahead of the mayoral election.
Britain First leader and London mayoral candidate Paul Golding was filmed in Woolwich near where Fusilier Rigby was brutally murdered by Islamic extremists in 2013.
The Rigby family have always distanced themselves from far-right groups such as Britain First, who have used his death to push their controversial political ideologies.
In a statement posted online his mother Lyn Rigby said: “The family have always said that Britain First's views are not what Lee believed in and they have absolutely no support from his family.
“We have repeatedly asked Britain First and other political parties not to use Lee’s name to promote their views. Britain First also claim that there is no permanent memorial to Lee at the site of his death.
“There is a permanent memorial to Lee at St George’s Chapel in Woolwich which is what we wanted.”
Rebecca and Jack Rigby. (c.) Sgt Rupert Frere/MoD/Crown Copyright//PA Wire
In the broadcast shown on ITV and the BBC last night, Mr Golding said: “We have come here to Woolwich, the spot where Lee Rigby was butchered and they still have not put a memorial on this spot for that poor young man.”
From 2009-2011 Mr Golding was a British National Party councillor for Swanley on Sevenoaks District Council.
Fusilier Rigby was off duty when he was murdered in Wellington Street near the Royal Artillery Barracks in May 2013.
His killers, Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale, were convicted in December 2013 and sentenced to life in prison.
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A memorial to Fusilier Rigby was unveiled at St George’s Chapel on Armistice Day in November last year.
In the years since the 25-year-old’s death, there were numerous calls and a petition signed by around 80,000 to honour him in the town where he died.
Fusilier Rigby’s widow Rebecca, and their four-year-old son Jack, were among those who attended the service to pay their respects.
The memorial plaque pays tribute to Fusilier Rigby and 10 other servicemen from the Greenwich borough who died in conflicts around the world.
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