Westminster protest restrictions imposed by Met Police
Anti-Islam march route and timings altered due to fears of serious disorder.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAn anti-Islam protest organised by UK Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nick Tenconi is set to take place in Westminster on Saturday, with the Metropolitan Police imposing significant restrictions due to fears of serious disorder. The demonstration, initially planned to rally on Edgware Road, has had its route and timings altered.
New Protest Route and Timings
Participants in the Unite the People “No to Sharia Law” demonstration are now required to assemble in a specific area on Hyde Park Corner from 11:30am. The Metropolitan Police has dictated a specific route for the march, which must conclude by 4:30pm. This route will take protesters through Piccadilly, down St James’ Street, across Pall Mall, and will end outside Downing Street via Whitehall. The police have stated that anyone knowingly breaching these conditions will be committing a criminal offence.
These new conditions were put in place under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disorder and significant disruption to local communities. A spokesman for the Met Police confirmed that officers will be present to ensure the events pass safely and peacefully.
Counter Protest and Local Reaction
A counter protest organised by the campaign group Stand Up To Racism is also planned. This group intends to hold a static rally opposite Downing Street on Richmond Terrace, also concluding by 4:30pm. Stand Up To Racism stated their aim is to show unity and solidarity and to prevent the far right from spreading their message.
The original plans for the protest to take place on Edgware Road had drawn criticism from local businesses and residents, particularly from the area's significant Muslim community. Westminster Council's Deputy Leader, Caroline Sargent, has publicly condemned any protest that promotes hatred, division, or intimidation.
Previous Demonstrations
This is not the first time Nick Tenconi has attempted to organise anti-Islam protests in London. Previous events, including a planned demonstration in Whitechapel last October promoted as a “mass deportations tour”, were cancelled by the Met Police due to concerns over potential serious disorder. A march in January this year also saw UKIP blocked from marching through Tower Hamlets.
Questions this report answers
01What are the new restrictions for the protest?
The Metropolitan Police has changed the protest route from Edgware Road to Hyde Park Corner, with the march finishing at Downing Street. Participants must assemble from 11:30am and the protest must end by 4:30pm on Saturday.
02Why have these restrictions been put in place?
The Metropolitan Police imposed these conditions under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disorder and significant disruption to communities. They are policing the events to ensure they pass safely and peacefully.
03What is the planned counter protest?
Stand Up To Racism has organised a counter protest. They plan to hold a static rally opposite Downing Street on Richmond Terrace, which must also end by 4:30pm.
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