The Metropolitan Police has insisted that Muslim Londoners should not alter their plans ahead of a major rally organised by activist Tommy Robinson on Saturday. Around 1,000 officers will be deployed across London to prevent clashes between protesters with opposing views.
Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march will see demonstrators gather at Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge on Saturday morning before marching towards the southern end of Whitehall. The activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, has described the event as the UK's biggest free speech festival with thousands expected to attend.
Community concerns addressed
Commander Clair Haynes, leading the public order policing operation, acknowledged particular concerns within London's Muslim communities given "the record of anti-Muslim rhetoric and incidents of offensive chanting by a minority at previous marches". She directly addressed suggestions that Muslim Londoners should modify their behaviour on Saturday.
"There have been some suggestions that Muslim Londoners should change their behaviour this Saturday, including not coming into town. That is not our advice," Haynes said. "Everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London."
Counter protests and security
A counter demonstration dubbed March Against Fascism, organised by Stand Up To Racism, will form up in Russell Square from midday before marching to the northern end of Whitehall. Scotland Yard confirmed that barriers will create a large "sterile area" between the two groups, with officers positioned to minimise disorder risks.
Strict conditions will be imposed under the Public Order Act dictating where and when campaigners can protest. The operation coincides with five Premier League football matches, including derbies between West Ham and Tottenham, and Brentford and Chelsea.
Extensive police operation
More than 1,600 officers will be deployed across the city in total, with 500 brought in from other forces to support the Metropolitan Police. Haynes described Saturday as "a very busy day with protest, sporting fixtures, concerts and other events" requiring a complex policing operation.
"We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights, but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur," she said. "Officers will take a firm line on behaviour that is discriminatory or that crosses the line from protest into hate crime."
(PA Media) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
