Around 1,000 officers are to be deployed to the streets of central London to try and “keep the peace” in a busy weekend of protests including a march led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, the Metropolitan Police have said.
His protest, set to move from the Royal Courts of Justice to a rally in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, has triggered a counter demonstration by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice Project and Stand Up To Racism.
Demonstrators at this event are set to march from Russell Square and to a rally in Whitehall.
It is supported by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and 11 trade unions, as well as groups such as Stop the War Coalition, Peace & Justice Project and Unite Against Fascism.
The police have already used powers under the Public Order Act to try and keep the opposing groups kept apart amid fears that serious disruption could be caused.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, who is in charge of this weekend’s operation, warned that police will “intervene decisively” to deal protesters who break the strict conditions about when and where they are allowed to demonstrate.
Mr Wingrove said a “significant number” of officers would be on duty as part of “a carefully planned operation” in an effort to keep people safe and prevent crime.
He said: “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.”
On Friday Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, had reposted a video which talked about his protest being about a “strength in numbers” showing the establishment that “we can organise and do not like the way the country is being run.”
Stand Up To Racism organisers said: “We are stressing the need to come together and build once again the kind of broad united movement that can drive back the threat as we have done before.”
Samuel Sweek, of the Peace & Justice Project, said: “The rise of the far-right and fascist politics in Britain and across Europe is a cause of great concern for us all.
“The political establishment has allowed breathing space for hate and division in our communities, we must stand with those targeted by the likes of Tommy Robinson and his thugs.
“We refuse to cede any ground to bigotry, racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia or any other form of hate they attempt to bring to our streets.
“When the politicians fail, it is the people who must fight back.
“That is why we will be marching on Saturday.”
A Trans Pride event, which includes a march from Langham Place to Wellington Arch where speeches will take place is also being held on Saturday.
No conditions have been imposed in advance of the Trans Pride event, the police said.
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