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Police Prepare for Large Protests in London on Saturday
Metropolitan Police said around 4,000 officers will be on duty as two major marches are expected to draw about 80,000 people to the capital. The Unite the Kingdom march associated with Tommy Robinson and a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally are scheduled for the same day as the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
May 16, 4:41 AM·3m read1 source
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Metropolitan Police are preparing what they described as an unprecedented security operation for Saturday as two large protests and the FA Cup final converge on London. Police estimate about 80,000 people will attend the marches, with thousands of additional football fans expected at Wembley Stadium.
The force said the day will be one of the busiest for policing in years. Around 4,000 officers are expected to be on duty, including 660 brought in from forces outside the Met. Armoured vehicles, police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will also be deployed.
The policing operation is budgeted to cost £4.5 million, with £1.7 million allocated to officers from other forces. The two demonstrations are the Unite the Kingdom march, which is associated with Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and a pro-Palestine Nakba Day rally.
Police said they were already in discussions with organisers of the Unite the Kingdom march when the application for the Nakba Day event was received.
and Warnings Metropolitan Police
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the operation is taking place against a backdrop of continued global instability and tension, increased antisemitism, and concerns within Jewish and Muslim communities, as well as a severe terrorism threat level.
Officials have stated that law-abiding protesters will be protected, but anyone attempting to break the law and create chaos should expect to face the full force of the law. Specialist officers are prepared to make swift arrests for hate speech crimes.
