Police are set to take a 'zero-tolerance' approach on what they say could be the busiest day in years as two major marches are planned in central London this Saturday.
Far Right and Pro-Palestine Marches in London
Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has organised a 'Unite the Kingdom' march to take place in central London on Saturday, on the same day as the annual pro-Palestine 'Nakba Day' march. As a result, Public Order Act conditions have been imposed on both marches, with police warning it may be one of the busiest days in recent years.
Nakba Day March Details
The Nakba march, Arabic for 'catastrophe', is an annual event which refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948 around the founding of Israel. This year, the group will meet at Exhibition Road in Kensington for the 78th anniversary. The group will then travel via Cromwell Gardens, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge and Piccadilly before ending at Pall Mall. The rally will take place at Waterloo Place with speeches and music set to end by 5pm, with the group ordered to disperse by 5.30pm.
Unite the Kingdom March Details
The Unite the Kingdom March will gather at Parliament Square in the second rally of its kind organised by Robinson, who says it is a demonstration for 'national unity, free speech and Christian values.' The far right demonstration will start on Kingsway before proceeding to Aldwych, Strand, Trafalgar Square, and Whitehall before ending in Parliament Square. Speeches and music here are set to conclude by 5.30pm, with the assembly ordered to end by 6pm.
Police Preparations and Zero-Tolerance Approach
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman warned that Saturday 'has the potential to be one of the busiest days for policing in London in recent years', as it was revealed 4,000 officers are being prepared for the day of protest. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Harman added that the Met's plan 'involves the most assertive possible use of our powers including strict conditions'. He said that officers would be 'taking a zero-tolerance approach' and that live facial recognition, helicopters, drones, dog units, police horses, armoured vehicles and dedicated investigative teams would be brought in.
Additional Challenges and Concerns
In addition to the two protests, police will also be watching the FA Cup Final at Wembley, which the force said brings 'an additional challenge'. Tens of thousands of fans are set to flock to London, with police warning of 'risks of disorder'. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Harman added: 'We also need to be mindful of the history of football hooligan groups supporting causes fronted by Stephen Yaxley Lennon.'
Crackdown on Hate Speech and Extremism
As part of the crackdown, police have said they are imposing conditions regarding speakers at the protests for the first time, making organisers responsible for 'ensuring speakers they invite don't break the law by using these events as a platform for unlawful extremism or hate speech', with speakers and organisers facing consequences if they do. The Home Office has also been working to remove permission to travel to the UK 'from those whose presence they did not feel was conducive to the public good'. Amid a rise in anti-Semitism, the force is also 'committed to taking a more assertive approach to chanting and the displaying of phrases on placards or banners that incite hatred or indicate support for terrorism or other forms of extremism.' Harman added that 'officers will also take action against the anti-Muslim hate we have heard at past protests where it crosses into criminality.'
