This weekend, the Metropolitan Police will bolster their presence across London, anticipating protests both in support of and against Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. The protest titled 'Stop the Isolation' or 'Unite the Kingdom' seeks to rally against Robinson's arrest, following his 18-month prison sentence for breaching a High Court injunction prohibiting him from making libellous claims against a Syrian refugee.
In contrast, a counter-demonstration organized by Stand Up To Racism aims to oppose the messages associated with Robinson. Co-convenor Weyman Bennett emphasized the need to mobilize against the far-right rhetoric, drawing on the momentum from previous anti-racist activities spurred by last summer's riots. The pro-Robinson march will commence at midday outside Waterloo Station, moving towards Whitehall, with a conclusion planned for the area between the Cenotaph and Parliament Square.
On the other end, the Stand Up To Racism counter-protest will gather in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, starting at 11:30 a.m. It will also head to Whitehall, taking a route through Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket, ultimately assembling near Trafalgar Square. In an effort to manage the situation, police will implement restrictions in the middle of Whitehall to keep the two groups separated and have advised the public to use alternative routes amid the protests.
Met Police Commander Louise Puddefoot oversees the operations regarding the protests, stating that a significant number of officers will be deployed to ensure community safety and respond quickly to any incidents. Each protest's policing strategy, including officer uniforms and available protective equipment, is tailored to the specific context of the event. Puddefoot stressed that this preparedness is crucial in maintaining peace and preventing disruption to the surrounding community while allowing individuals to exercise their right to protest effectively.
5 Comments
Pupsik
The Metropolitan Police should not support any protests that endorse someone convicted of spreading lies and hate.
Marishka
Let’s stand together against racism, not allow hateful individuals to gather and spew their toxic thoughts.
Pupsik
Freedom of expression is the foundation of democracy, and I believe people have the right to rally in support of Robinson.
Marishka
Protesting for Tommy Robinson is about free speech and standing against unjust imprisonment. Everyone deserves to express their views!
Pupsik
We shouldn't demonize people just for speaking their minds. Protests should be about dialogue, not division.