Tommy Robinson march in London puts 1,000 police on standby over fears of violence
Around 1,000 officers will be on duty supporting the policing operation with the majority of resources directed at the three events.
Around 1,000 police officers will be on standby in London today as anti-racism campaigners statge a counter demo against a march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson at the same time as a Trans Pride event happens.
A Met Police spokesperson said: "There will be a visible policing presence in central London on Saturday with a number of events, including protests, due to take place.
"Around 1,000 officers will be on duty supporting the policing operation with the majority of resources directed at the three events."
The march organised by Mr Robinson is planned to set off from outside the Royal Courts of Justice, ending in Trafalgar Square where a rally will take place.
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A march organised by Stand Up To Racism and other groups is scheduled to set off from Russell Square, ending in Whitehall where a counter rally will take place.
The Trans Pride event consists of a march from Langham Place ending at Wellington Arch where speeches will take place.
The spokesperson added: "Conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act on the two protest marches with the aim of preventing serious disruption.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, who is in charge of this weekend’s operation, said: “This weekend sees a number of groups with opposing views assembling in central London. In response we are deploying a significant number of officers as part of a carefully planned operation.
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“Our first priority is to keep the peace to ensure that those exercising their right to lawful protest can do so safely. We have proactively used our powers under the Public Order Act to manage the timings and routes of marches and assemblies, ensuring that the groups are kept apart. Officers will intervene decisively to deal with any breaches of those conditions, prevent crime, and to respond to any other incidents.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe and be safe in London. Those who abuse the right to protest in an effort to unlawfully intimidate others or to use hate speech can expect to face police action.
“The police presence will be very visible and I would urge anyone out and about in London, whether participating in these events or not, to speak to an officer if they feel unsafe or wish to report an incident.”
