Met Police restrict UKIP anti-Islam march in Westminster

The Metropolitan Police have imposed restrictions on a UK Independence Party (UKIP) anti-Islam march planned for central London this weekend, relocating the demonstration from Edgware Road to Hyde Park Corner. The decision was made due to fears of "serious disorder and serious disruption to communities," according to a Met Police spokesman.

Concerns over disorder and disruption

Businesses and residents in the Edgware Road area had expressed concerns about the "No to Sharia Law" demonstration, which was organised by UKIP. The Met Police announced on Thursday that conditions under the Public Order Act would be applied to the event. These conditions include participants assembling in a specific area of Hyde Park Corner no earlier than 11:30am, following a designated route, and concluding the protest by 4:30pm. The police stated that anyone knowingly breaching these conditions would be committing a criminal offence and that officers would be present to ensure the events pass safely and peacefully.

Georgia Gould, the MP for Queens Park and Maida Vale, stated that businesses and residents around Edgware Road have faced increasing online targeting from the far right and deserve to live safely and free from intimidation. She affirmed her commitment to standing up for the diverse community, which she described as embodying British values of mutual respect and neighbourliness.

Rise in anti-Muslim hate reports

The restrictions come amid a significant rise in anti-Muslim hate reports in London. Monitoring organisation Tell Mama recorded 1,031 reports of anti-Muslim hate and prejudice in the capital between January and the end of June this year, surpassing the 1,028 reports recorded throughout the entirety of 2023. Tell Mama described these figures as "alarming," indicating a sustained escalation in hostility towards Muslims in London. Reports have increased annually, from 313 in 2021 to 818 in 2022, reaching a record 1,909 last year, which is more than six times the number from four years prior. The organisation noted that each report represents a Londoner who felt unsafe due to their faith.

Caroline Sargent, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, acknowledged that the council had received concerns from residents regarding the proposed march on Edgware Road. She stated that Westminster often bears the brunt of various protests and is aware of the disruption and concern they can cause to residents, businesses, and local communities. Councillor Sargent condemned any demonstration that promotes hatred, division, or intimidation.

A static counter protest organised by Stand Up to Racism has also been planned in response to the UKIP demonstration.