British police are preparing one of their largest operations in recent memory as over 100,000 protesters are expected to march through central London on Saturday, coinciding with the FA Cup final at Wembley. The Metropolitan Police have deployed 4,000 officers, backed by armoured Sandcat vehicles and drones, to manage the far-right Unite the Kingdom (UTK) march led by Stephen Yaxley Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and a separate pro-Palestine rally.
Officers in vast swathes of central London will be granted extra powers, including stop and search without suspicion, to police both events. The two gatherings will be kept apart by police. The UTK march last September drew over 150,000 people to Parliament Square, and organisers expect a similar turnout. The pro-Palestine rally is expected to attract between 15,000 and 40,000 participants.
The situation is complicated by the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea, kicking off at 3pm. The Met has warned that football hooligans have previously supported Robinson, and social media videos have called for them to join Saturday's protest. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the rise of the far right as 'a fight for the soul of this country', following Reform UK's success in local elections.
Police will seek prosecutions not only for speakers inciting hatred but also for organisers on conspiracy charges. Speakers at the far-right rally include the mother of a woman killed by an asylum seeker and American conspiracy theorist Glenn Beck. The Muslim Council of Britain has warned that the march puts Muslims at risk of increased violence and hatred, citing last year's event where speakers incited hatred and encouraged violence.
Robinson, who recently met US lawmakers in Washington, has appealed to supporters to stay calm and avoid confrontation. Polling indicates he is known by over 80% of Britons, with 17% viewing him favourably. Nick Lowles of Hope Not Hate said Robinson can mobilise more people on the streets than any other figure.
