Eleven foreign far-right activists have been barred from entering the United Kingdom ahead of a rally organised by supporters of Tommy Robinson, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer accused the event's organisers of "peddling hatred and division." The rally, branded as Unite the Kingdom, is set to take place on Saturday, marking the second such gathering after over 100,000 attendees participated last year.
Facial Recognition Deployed for Protest Policing
For the first time, live facial recognition technology will be utilised as part of the policing operation for the protest. Additionally, conditions under the Public Order Act are being imposed on a large pro-Palestinian march scheduled for the same day, as well as on the Unite the Kingdom event promoted by Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Prime Minister Starmer, who met with senior police officials and officers involved in Saturday's operation, stated: "We are in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple."
Government Vows to Block Hate Inciters
Starmer emphasised the government's stance: "We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law." However, Downing Street clarified that the Prime Minister acknowledged the majority of expected attendees are law-abiding citizens wishing to protest peacefully, urging everyone to act with decency and respect.
In a video published on social media, Starmer described the rally's organisers as "convicted thugs and racists" and said the event serves as "a reminder of what we're up against in the battle of our values."
Expected Attendees and Speakers
A range of groups and figures from the British far right and Christian nationalism are anticipated to attend the event, which calls for a general election and marks a shift by Robinson towards encouraging his supporters to engage in political campaigning and voting. Among the announced speakers is Siobhan Whyte, mother of Rhiannon Whyte, a woman fatally stabbed by an asylum seeker at the hotel where she worked.
Those banned from entering the UK include Valentina Gomez, a US-based anti-Islam influencer; Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch influencer; and Dominik Tarczyński, a Polish politician and MEP.
Archbishop of Canterbury Urges Hope
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, urged the public to "choose hope" as communities across the UK participate in A Million Acts of Hope Week, a celebration of unity and diversity intended as a counter-event to Robinson's rally. This year's Million Acts of Hope promotes interfaith work and is backed by Mullally, the Muslim Council of Britain, UK Muslim Network, and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK.
Mullally stated: "When we watch the news or scroll through our phones it can feel as though our country is more divided than ever. But this is not the whole story. When I visit churches and communities, I see people serving one another and looking out for those in need. This gives me hope." She added: "These acts of hope happen all the time yet so often they go unseen. There is far more that connects us than divides us. And when we choose hope we help build the kind of country we all long to live in."
Rabbi Wittenberg echoed this sentiment, noting the solidarity he received from Muslims and Christians following a spate of attacks on Jewish people and sites in London last month. He remarked: "Every day we remember in our prayers that 'acts of kindness are immeasurable.' I witness them constantly within my community, like taking food to families in mourning. I experience them between communities, like the solidarity of many Muslim and Christian colleagues during this spate of antisemitism."
Policing and Counter-Demonstrations
Saturday is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for policing in London. The pro-Palestine protest, marking Nakba Day, will see large numbers of participants, while anti-fascist protesters organised by Stand Up to Racism will also be present. The Unite the Kingdom march will proceed up the Strand, through Trafalgar Square, and conclude in Parliament Square. Tens of thousands of football fans will also be in London for the FA Cup final.
Downing Street confirmed that Starmer is taking action to "protect British communities from vile hate" through the bans on foreign activists. Visiting the Metropolitan Police's command and control special operations room, the Prime Minister reiterated: "We're in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple."
