Hundreds of officers drafted in to police central London protest

A significant Met policing operation will be in place to respond to protest in central London on Wednesday.

More than 1,600 officers will be deployed – including 500 assisting from other forces.

A march organised by the Stop the Trump Coalition will begin by 3pm after participants have formed up in Portland Place from approximately 14:00hrs.

They will follow a route down Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Cockspur Street, Whitehall, Parliament Street and into Parliament Square, where they will hold a rally until 19:00hrs.

Public Order Act conditions have been imposed to prevent serious disruption to the community. The details of the conditions are set out below.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot, who is in charge of the Met’s public order policing operation in London this week, said:

“Around 50 protest groups are expected to gather together in central London on Wednesday, on what will be another busy day for officers. The Met is used to delivering complex and large-scale policing operations to keep the public safe, and we have a comprehensive plan in place.

“We have been in close contact with the organisers to ascertain their intentions, and we have engaged with local businesses and community representatives to understand the impact on them. We would ask all those taking part in the protest to be considerate to the local community, and ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“We will approach this protest as we always do, policing without fear or favour, and ensuring that people can exercise their lawful rights, whilst being robust in dealing with crime or disorder.”

Significant road closures will be in place in central London while the march takes place.

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