"Every weekend in London is busy, but that is especially the case at this time of year when the transport network, shops and public spaces will see much higher footfall. In that context, it is particularly important that we ensure that where groups are exercising their lawful right to protest, we use the powers available to us to ensure those protests don't cause serious disruption to the many other people Londoners and visitors alike going about their lives."
"The Met said demonstrators at that protest tried to spill into cordoned-off areas and officers policing who moved into stop them were met with unacceptable violence. More than 100,000 people attended the Unite the Kingdom protest which descended into chaos They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares, and other projectiles were thrown, the force said. Officers have been focusing on keeping the protests safe for Stand Up to Racism counter-protesters and said that officers faced aggression in multiple locations."
Increased Metropolitan Police presence will be deployed in central London for competing protests: Unite the Kingdom from the north end of Whitehall at 3pm, Stand Up To Racism from the south end at 1pm, and a digital ID march from Portland Place at 2pm. A previous Unite the Kingdom rally attracted over 100,000 people and descended into violence, with officers and members of the public assaulted and projectiles thrown. The force has implemented regulations requiring protesters to stick to designated routes and cordoned areas and has shared a map of Whitehall. Police emphasise using available powers to minimise disruption and protect the public.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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