Hundreds of police are gearing up to respond “swiftly and decisively” as a large protest by supporters of Tommy Robinson and a counter-demonstration take place in central London on Saturday.
Far-right activists will demand the release of Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is in solitary confinement in prison after committing contempt of court.
Under the banners “Free Tommy, “Stop the Isolation” and “Unite the Kingdom”, they plan to gather outside Waterloo Station from midday before marching towards Whitehall via Westminster Bridge.
A static assembly will then take place in Parliament Street as Metropolitan Police officers attempt to keep them separate from a protest organised by Stand Up To Racism around Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square.
Tourists and shoppers are encouraged to use other routes to avoid the area.
Elon Musk - who is supporting Robinson on his social media site X, formerly Twitter - this month launched a slew of attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and other Labour figures.
The South African-born billionaire’s meddling in British politics began him hitting out at the Prime Minister’s record of prosecuting child grooming gangs. Sir Keir said those “spreading misinformation are not interested in the victims”.
Commander Louise Puddefoot, who is in charge of the weekend’s 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.”
An admin post on Robinson’s X account alleged: “Tomorrow we make a stand. Meeting at 12pm, Waterloo Station.
“We will proceed to Downing Street. Stand against the political persecution and isolation of Tommy Robinson. Visitors are now being denied entry to see him. First they came for Tommy.”
Stand Up To Racism pointed to recent Islamophobic attacks in London and elsewhere.
Spokesman Leanne Mohamad said: “Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has become the leading defender of Tommy Robinson and is spreading dangerous lies. Robinson has been boosted by all of this.
“We must drive the far-right off our streets. We will not be intimidated.”
