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Extra 4,000 officers in London as police brace for far-right and pro-Palestine marches – live
TL;DR
The Metropolitan Police are deploying 4,000 officers in London for two major demonstrations, including a far-right rally and a pro-Palestine event. Officers will have extra powers for stop and search as tensions rise ahead of the protests.
Key points
- 4,000 officers deployed for protests in London
- Far-right rally organized by Tommy Robinson
- Pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally also taking place
- Police granted extra stop and search powers
- Armoured vehicles and drones will be used
Mentioned in this story
Metropolitan PoliceTommy Robinson
The Metropolitan police is preparing for what it described as potentially “one of the busiest days for policing in recent years” as tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on central London for two major demonstrations.
Armoured vehicles, horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will be deployed along with 4,000 officers to police the far-right Unite the Kingdom (UTK) rally organised by Stephen Yaxley Lennon, otherwise known as Tommy Robinson.
The Guardian understands officers will be granted extra powers to carry out a stop and search without requiring suspicion of an offence, which will also apply to the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally taking place in a separate location to the UTK march.
Clashes erupted between police and protesters as thousands of people marched through central London for the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally last September. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images
At the same time, tens of thousands of football fans are expected at Wembley stadium for the FA Cup final.
For the first time at a demonstration, police will use live recognition cameras and organisers will be held personally responsible for the behaviour of the speakers they invite.
Deputy assistant commissioner James Harman said the “unprecedented” operation could cost the force £4.5m, adding that today “has the potential to be one of the busiest days for policing in London in recent years”.
Police estimate that about 50,000 people will attend the UTK rally, while the pro-Palestine march is expected to draw between 15,000 and 40,000 peope. The UTK rally last September overwhelmed expectations after more than 150,000 people flooded Parliament Square in Westminster.
Q&A
What events are causing the Metropolitan Police to deploy 4,000 officers in London?
The deployment is in response to a far-right rally organized by Tommy Robinson and a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally, both expected to attract tens of thousands of participants.
What extra powers will police have during the London protests?
Police will be granted extra powers to carry out stop and search without requiring suspicion of an offence during both the Unite the Kingdom rally and the Nakba Day rally.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety during the London demonstrations?
The Metropolitan Police will deploy armoured vehicles, horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters to manage the protests and ensure public safety.
