Tens of thousands of people have gathered in London for two major demonstrations, prompting an unprecedented police operation costing £4.5 million. The Metropolitan Police estimate that around 50,000 people are attending Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march, while 30,000 are expected at the pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally.
Police Deployment and Security Measures
Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones, and helicopters have been deployed alongside approximately 4,000 officers. The Met aims to prevent clashes between the two rallies. For the first time, live facial recognition technology is being used in a protest policing operation, with cameras set up in Camden, though not on the march route.
Unite the Kingdom March
Crowds waving Union flags have gathered for the Unite the Kingdom march. Chants of 'Keir Starmer's a wanker' and 'we want Starmer out' were heard on Kingsway. Some protesters carried wooden crosses and chanted 'Christ is king', while others threw beach balls and drank alcohol.
Pro-Palestine Rally
In South Kensington, protesters carried Palestine flags and signs reading 'smash the far right'. Banners included 'Bristol stands with Palestine', 'Stop Trump, Stop Farage', and 'Free Palestinian Hostages'. Many wore keffiyehs. A woman was arrested for refusing to remove a fabric face mask, and a group wearing orange jumpsuits with masks featuring Nigel Farage's photo were also asked to remove their masks.
Political Reactions
Tommy Robinson posted on X: 'Today, we Unite The Kingdom and the West in the greatest patriotic display the world has ever seen.' Daniel Kebede, NEU general secretary, said: 'We're marching today to show that we will not allow Tommy Robinson and the far right to divide our communities.' Sabby Dhalu of Stand Up To Racism warned that the far right is exploiting the cost-of-living crisis to stir up racism.
Justice Secretary David Lammy stated: 'The Unite the Kingdom march organisers are spreading hatred and division. If protest turns violent, we will act swiftly.'
Legal and Operational Measures
Prosecutors have been instructed to consider whether placards, banners, and chants may constitute stirring up hatred. The CPS guidance reflects 'the changing international context'. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said: 'This is not about restricting free speech; it is about preventing hate crime.'
The government has blocked 11 foreign nationals described as 'far-right agitators' from entering the UK. Among those barred are Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski and Belgian politician Filip Dewinter.
Two men wanted for GBH in Birmingham were arrested near Euston station while attempting to attend the Unite the Kingdom protest.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told the Prime Minister: 'We've got a time when hate crime has been escalated for the last two or three years.' Commander Clair Haynes said drones would monitor both protest routes for potential clashes.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman confirmed the operation costs £4.5 million, with £1.7 million for officers from other forces. The Metropolitan Police Federation noted that many officers have had leave cancelled and rest days withdrawn.
