The Met Police has warned protesters marching in London today that officers will repond ‘robustly’ to anyone seeking to ’cause harm or incite hate’.
Officers are braced for hundreds of thousands of people descending on the capital for what is expected to be one of the largest political marches in British history.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a plea for “unity” amid tensions over a pro-Palestinian march set to go ahead on the day the UK marks the end of the First World War.
There are concerns about the risk of counter-protests, particularly around the Cenotaph, even though the demonstration is not intended to go near the monument.
Scotland Yard will deploy nearly 2,000 officers across central London in a major policing operation over the weekend.
In a post on X this morning, British Transport Police, who will be monitoring the capital’s Underground network said officers would not tolerate any trouble.
It said: “Abuse, intimidation or violence, particularly that which is religiously motivated, will not be tolerated and our officers will respond robustly to anyone who seeks to cause harm or incite hate.”
On the eve of the mass protest, the Prime Minister urged those taking part to do so “respectfully and peacefully” and to respect Armistice Day commemorations.
“This act of remembrance is fundamental to who we are as a country and I want to reassure those wishing to pay their respects, attend services and travel that they can and should do so,” Mr Sunak said in a statement.
“It is because of those who fought for this country and for the freedom we cherish that those who wish to protest can do so, but they must do so respectfully and peacefully.
“Remembrance weekend is sacred for us all and should be a moment of unity, of our shared British values and of solemn reflection.”
Home Secretary Suella Braverman remains under pressure from all sides after accusing the police of bias when they resisted pressure to ban the pro-Palestinian march.
After her comments were widely criticised and sparked calls for Mr Sunak to sack her, Mrs Braverman on Friday expressed her “full backing” for the Metropolitan Police at a meeting with Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
The officer in charge of policing London during Saturday’s protest said that the force has been “clear” on how it polices protests.
More than 100 arrests for offences including supporting proscribed organisations and serious hate crime have been made over the last four major Palestinian protests, according to the Met Police.
The number of officers on duty in London will be double the usual amount, with 1,850 officers on Saturday and 1,375 on Sunday.
