Restrictions in place for two protests in central London
Both protests will end up with rallies at opposite ends of Whitehall
There will be an increased police presence in central London today (Sat 1st Feb) with two protests due to take place.
Both are due to end at opposite ends of Whitehall - so the Metropolitan Police have imposed strict restrictions on when and where each group of demonstrators can gather, march and hold their respective rallies.
A protest organised under the name ‘Stop the Isolation’ or ‘Unite the Kingdom’ in support of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson), will form up in Sandell Street and Cornwall Road, off Waterloo Road outside Waterloo Station, from midday.
It will march from there to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge. A static assembly will then take place in Parliament Street, at the Parliament Square end of Whitehall.
A protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will form up in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, from 11.30am.
It will march from there to Whitehall, via Piccadilly Circus and Haymarket. A static assembly will take place at the Trafalgar Square end of Whitehall.
Commander Louise Puddefoot, who is 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.”