English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson's withdrawal from the group yesterday has been greeted with caution from anti-hate campaigners.

Mr Robinson has described his departure as a "step forward, not a step back," but campaign group United Against Fascism (UAF) warned that "leopards don't change their spots."

He said that while he wants to lead a revolution against Islamist ideology, he does not want to lead a revolution against Muslims.

Mr Robinson and EDL co-founder Kevin Carroll announced their departure through counter-extremism think tank Quilliam, saying they had decided to leave because they can no longer keep extremist elements at bay.

In a statement issued through Quilliam Mr Robinson said: "I have been considering this move for a long time because I recognise that, though street demonstrations have brought us to this point, they are no longer productive.

"I acknowledge the dangers of far-right extremism and the ongoing need to counter Islamist ideology not with violence but with better, democratic ideas."

However UAF chairman Steve Hart said: "This is only a tactical retreat and just like other European far-right leaders Robinson and Carroll will use other methods - possibly electoral means - to spread their Islamophobic message.

"This is about the evolution of his brand, not abandoning hate, racism and Islamophobia."

Campaigners at Hope Not Hate were also sceptical about the pair's future plans.

"Merely setting up a new party or anti-Muslim organisation will not be enough to convince anti-hate campaigners, or those interested in democratic government, that Robinson and Carroll have truly renounced their ways. We hope they have," said Hope Not Hate director Nick Lowles.

Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is due to stand trial on public order offences at Thames magistrates' court on October 22.