Increased police presence for Saturday protests

There will be an increased police presence in central London tomorrow with a number of protests planned against a backdrop of an already very busy day in the run up to Christmas.

A static protest organised under the banner of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ is scheduled to take place at the north end of Whitehall from 1500hrs.

A related counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will take place at the south end of Whitehall from 1300hrs.

A protest march in opposition to digital ID will set off from Portland Place from 1400hrs, proceeding along Regent Street, around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and round into the north end of Whitehall where a rally will take place.

Commander Adam Slonecki, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “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.

“We have imposed a series of Public Order Act conditions setting out limits on locations and timings of the protests. I’d urge anyone coming to participate to familiarise themselves with the details which are set out below via the link.

“I’m grateful to the officers who will be deployed to keep the public and protesters safe, and to ensure any incidents or offences can be swiftly dealt with.”

https://news.met.police.uk/news/increased-police-presence-for-saturday-protests-504339