An 'unprecedented' police operation is underway in London as tens of thousands of protesters are expected to gather for two major demonstrations on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police has deployed armoured vehicles, horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters, alongside thousands of officers, in a £4.5 million operation aimed at preventing clashes between Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march and the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally.
New Prosecution Guidance
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued new guidance urging prosecutors to consider whether protest placards, banners, and chants viewed on social media may amount to stirring up hatred. This reflects 'the changing international context' and follows separate guidance on fast-tracking hate crime prosecutions. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson stated: 'This is not about restricting free speech. It is about preventing hate crime and protecting the public.' Offences under the Public Order Act 1986 carry maximum sentences of seven years.
Government Blocks Foreign Nationals
The Government has blocked 11 foreign nationals, described by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as 'far-right agitators', from entering the UK. Those barred include Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski, Belgian politician Filip Dewinter, anti-Islam commentator Valentina Gomez, and Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek. Speaking at a Metropolitan Police command centre in Lambeth, Sir Keir said the Unite the Kingdom organisers were 'peddling hatred and division' and warned that anyone inciting hatred or violence would face the full force of the law.
Police Preparations and Technology
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley noted that hate crime has escalated over the past two to three years, and protest groups have become more polarised. Commander Clair Haynes confirmed that drones will monitor both protest routes for potential clashes, while officers at Wembley will monitor CCTV from the FA Cup final to identify supporters heading to demonstrations. For the first time, live facial recognition will be used in a protest policing operation, with cameras set up in Camden. However, Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner Professor William Webster warned that police forces could face legal challenges over the technology, which is not 'foolproof'.
Officer Numbers and Costs
Around 4,000 officers will be on duty, including 660 drafted from other forces. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman estimated 50,000 attendees for Unite the Kingdom and 30,000 for Nakba Day. The operation will cost £4.5 million, with £1.7 million for mutual aid. The Metropolitan Police Federation noted that many officers have had leave cancelled and rest days withdrawn, stating: 'There are not enough of us.'
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasised: 'The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. But anyone spreading hate or committing acts of violence will face the full force of the law.'
