Muslims in London have been reassured by the Metropolitan Police that they should not alter their plans despite a planned rally by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The rally, organized by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, is called the Unite the Kingdom march and is scheduled for Saturday, September 13.
Participants of the rally have been instructed to gather at Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge and march towards the southern end of Whitehall. To prevent any potential clashes, approximately 1,000 police officers will be deployed in London during the event, as reported by Birmingham Live.
Robinson has promoted the march as the largest free speech festival in the UK, expecting thousands of supporters to attend. The event will feature controversial speakers such as Jordan Peterson and Katie Hopkins.
Despite the presence of right-wing groups in London, the Metropolitan Police has emphasized that Muslim Londoners should feel safe traveling in and around the city. Commander Clair Haynes, overseeing the policing operation, stated that everyone should feel secure and urged individuals with concerns to approach the police.
In response to the Unite the Kingdom protest, Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) has organized a counter-protest named the March Against Fascism, commencing at Russell Square and proceeding to Kingsway, Aldwych, and the Strand for a rally. The counter-protest, led by hundreds of women including MP Diane Abbott, aims to convey a united stance against the far-right threat.
Police will implement barriers to separate the two groups and minimize the risk of disorder. Additional officers will be stationed on surrounding roads to manage the demonstrations effectively. The Public Order Act will dictate the restrictions on the location and timing of protests.
Amidst a busy day in the city with multiple Premier League football matches scheduled, the Metropolitan Police plans to deploy over 1,600 officers, including reinforcements from other forces. Ms. Haynes expressed gratitude for the officers’ commitment to ensuring public safety and emphasized the importance of maintaining order during the protests.
The police have engaged with protest organizers, local businesses, and community representatives to coordinate a comprehensive policing strategy. Participants are urged to respect the communities they pass through and refrain from discriminatory behavior or hate crimes during the protests.