Police brace for unrest as Tommy Robinson rally, counter-march set to clash in London on 13 September. Image: Getty Images via Express.
(The Post News) – London Commander Clair Haynes gave assurances to Muslim communities that police officers will be out in force on Saturday during controversial figure Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” protest. While Robinson brands the event as a “free speech rally” calling for political reform, fears remain that it will descend into the same discriminatory, anti-immigration, and anti-Islam rhetoric seen at his previous demonstrations.
A lot of Muslim Londoners expressed concern and planned to avoid the capital; however, Heynes said that Muslim Londoners do not need to change their plans. She said, “Our officers are there to ensure [safety], and we’d urge anyone who is out on Saturday and feels concerned to speak to us.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has promised that the rally—scheduled for 13 September on Stamford Street—will be the “UK’s biggest free speech festival.” Attributing the high anticipated presence to a football match happening on the same day in the city. He has encouraged his followers to show up and show restraint. “It’s a time where you come and stand proudly for your country,” he added.
Community and public concern are especially heightened because the day of the rally clashes with the March Against Fascism, organized by Stand Up to Racism, happening on the same day in a nearby street. According to the organizer, Samira Ali, the counter-protest is meant to stand against the far-right threat and will be led by women through Russell Square.
London Police Officers as Mediators
The Metropolitan Police will deploy 1,100 officers from London and an additional 500 from surrounding regions to patrol the protests. Haynes said police have been in direct contact with both groups and emphasized zero tolerance for violence. “Officers will take a firm line on behavior that is discriminatory or that crosses the line from protest into hate crime,” she warned.
Heynes highlighted the community’s concern over possible disruption, adding that the police asked the organizers to also ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.
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