Tommy Robinson supporters demonstrate in Central London on February 1 (Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of protestors have gathered in support of in central on Saturday, and a counter-demonstration will also take place, as the fielding more officers to keep opposing groups apart.
A protest organised under the name “Stop the Isolation” or “Unite the Kingdom”, in support of Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will form in Sandell Street and Cornwall Road, off Waterloo Road, outside Waterloo Station, from noon. Organisers have estimated upwards of 20,000 have joined.
Protesters will march to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge and assemble in Parliament Street, at the Parliament Square end of Whitehall.
A protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will form in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, from 11.30am, and protesters will march to Whitehall via Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket before a rally at the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall.
Pedestrian access in the middle of Whitehall will be restricted, and officers will be deployed to keep the groups apart, the Met said.
March heading towards Westminster
Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have begun marching towards Westminster from Waterloo station in the “Uniting the Kingdom” demonstration.
Before setting off, they sang “Rule, Britannia!” and chanted “We want Starmer out”.
Large numbers of Tommy Robinson supporters march through central London
Large numbers of Tommy Robinson supporters are marching through central London, with footage circulating on line showing boistrous supporters carrying a banner saying Stop the Isolation.
Organisers have claimed 20,000 people are taking part.
Tommy Robinson supporters during a protest in central London (Image: PA)
Conditions in place for both marches
The Met has set out conditions for both marches.
Stop the Isolation/Unite the Kingdom protest
Participants must form up Sandell Street, Cornwall Road and Wotton Street and not deviate from the pre-agreed route.
On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in designated areas.
All those in attendance must disperse by 5.30pm.
Stand Up To Racism
Anyone taking part must form up pre-agreed area and likewise not deviate from the designated route.
On arrival at the end of the march, they must also only assemble in the agreed area.
All those in attendance must also disperse by 5.30pm.
Rival marches forming up, say police
Posting on X, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “The ‘Stop the Isolation’ protest in support of Tommy Robinson and the Stand Up To Racism protest are both forming up prior to a 1pm start.
“There have been no incidents so far.”
ud83euddf5 | Updates on today’s protests in central London will be posted on this thread. The ‘Stop the Isolation’ protest in support of Tommy Robinson and the Stand Up To Racism protest are both forming up prior to a 1pm start. There have been no incidents so far.
u2014 Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk)
Supporters chant Tommy Robinson’s name
Chants of “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “we want Tommy out” are being sung at the demonstration near Waterloo station in central London.
One protester is carrying a flag with “Free Tommy Robinson” written on it, while others are wearing face masks of the political activist.
A demonstrator, dressed as a lion and wearing a Union Jack themed shirt, stands among other supporte (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
‘We are well prepared’
Commander Louise Puddefoot, in charge of the policing operation, said: “We are well prepared for these protests, having been in discussions with both sets of organisers in recent weeks.
“We have officers deployed in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the wider community, and to give us the capability to intervene swiftly and decisively if incidents of crime or disorder occur.
“Decisions on our policing style at protests, including the types of uniform worn by officers and the protective equipment available to them, are taken on a case-by-case basis. It allows us to be ready to respond quickly and decisively where we need to.
“Our assessment for tomorrow’s protest, based on the information available to us, is that an additional level of preparedness is required.
“What our officers are wearing or the protective kit they are carrying doesn’t change their role at these events.
“They are there to ensure all involved can exercise their right to protest peacefully, without causing serious disruption to the life of the wider community and without risking the disorder that could take place if groups with opposing views come together.”
‘We must bring that anti-racist spirit onto the streets of London and reject the politics of hate’
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co-convenor, said: “We saw the power of mobilising against the far-right in response to last summer’s racist riots.
“We must bring that anti-racist spirit onto the streets of London and reject the politics of hate.”
Uese other routes, advise police
Anyone in the area not involved in the protests is encouraged to use other routes to go from Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square, or vice versa, the force added.
Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after the Solicitor General took legal action against him for breaching a High Court injunction made in 2021.
He admitted 10 breaches of the order, which barred him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee.
Organisers of the protest in support of Robinson posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “We will proceed to Downing Street.
“Stand against the isolation of Tommy Robinson.
“Deliver our message to the establishment.”
Hundreds gather outside Waterloo
Hundreds of people have gathered outside Waterloo station in central London for a demonstration in support of far-right political activist Tommy Robinson.
Many of the protesters, who are gathered next to the Wellington Pub, are carrying England and UK flags, with one person holding up a T-shirt with “Thank you ” written on it.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after he admitted 10 breaches of a High Court injunction which barred him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee.
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