Two major protests have been scheduled to take place on Saturday in central London, prompting a huge police operation and government action as thousands of officers have been deployed across the capital.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned in a statement on Friday that Britain was “in a fight for the soul of this country” as authorities confirmed eleven foreign far-right agitators, including US activist Valentina Gomez, have been blocked from entering the UK ahead of the demonstrations.
The government said the action was taken to protect communities from “vile hate” and prevent disorder linked to the planned rallies.
The Unite the Kingdom march has been organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and has been described as a demonstration for “national unity, free speech and Christian values”.
The march has coincided with the annual pro-Palestinian Nakba Day march.
The Metropolitan Police said up to 4,000 officers were being deployed across London as the protests coincided with the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
The Met have said that officers are expected to use live facial recognition technology, helicopters, drones, dog units, mounted police and armoured vehicles while enforcing strict Public Order Act conditions.
The Prime Minister, speaking after visiting the Metropolitan Police command centre, said anyone intending to “whip up hatred and threaten communities” would “face the full force of the law”.
He added that while most attendees were expected to be peaceful, the government would act decisively against those spreading extremism.
Police have also confirmed new conditions on protest speakers, making organisers responsible for ensuring invited speakers did not use events as a platform for unlawful extremism or hate speech.
This has come as thousands more people are expected to attend separate marches in Belfast on Saturday, including a March for Jesus organised by All Nations Church, which will conclude with worship and prayer for the city and nation outside Belfast City Hall.