Met getting ready for day of Tommy Robinson marchers and anti-racism opponents

The Met are planning an increased police presence in Westminster tomorrow because of planned demonstrations involving opposing factions in the immigration debate.

Officers from the Met and the British Transport police will be supported by officers from other UK forces.

A protest organised on behalf of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (also known as Tommy Robinson) under the name Uniting the Kingdom, will march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall.

Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.

There will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

A separate protest, organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign, will take place in Trafalgar Square from around midday.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.

“Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest. We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.

“We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.”

Dep Asst Commissioner Williams added: “The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events.

“We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”

A 6pm dispersal order will be in force.

Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Garry Knight : Wiki page HERE