Tens of thousands of demonstrators will march against antisemitism in London after police warned the far-right “is not welcome”.
Around 40,000 to 50,000 people are expected to gather in front of the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand at 1.30pm for a rally organized by the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Amid fears that Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-right English Defense League, could join the march, the Metropolitan Police said he was “not welcome” after he was last seen among crowds clashing with counter-protesters. Officers during protests on Armistice Day.
The Met warned that any offense “whether from within the protest or from any group attempting to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with, as both the force and ministers stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe. streets.
The rally in the capital took place after tens of thousands of people gathered once again in Gaza on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.
18 people were detained during the day.
Key points
Thousands of people will march against antisemitism in London
12:25 , maira butt
Tens of thousands of people are later expected to march in London to demonstrate against antisemitism.
Both ministers and the Metropolitan Police have stressed that Britain’s Jewish community must feel safe on the streets, amid concerns about escalating tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.
The rally in the capital took place after tens of thousands of people gathered once again on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.
In the photos: Tommy Robinson being taken away under police escort
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He was seen arguing with officers for ten minutes before being forcibly taken away.
EDL founder Tommy Robinson taken away under police escort
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Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defense League, was removed from the march by police officers.
He was seen arguing with officers for around 10 minutes outside a Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was later removed from the scene.
Citizens participated in the march organized by the Campaign Against Antisemitism
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Large numbers of people gathered to take part in a march organized by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
The banners read: ‘Jews belong’ and ‘The United Kingdom is against Antisemitism’.
In photos: Large group gathers outside the Royal Courts of Justice in a march against anti-Semitism
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Met Police say ‘significant police and security operation ongoing’
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The Met Police said a “significant” police and security operation was underway at the march, which will soon see a large group of people against antisemitism gather in front of the Royal Courts of Justice.
They added that although there was “additional unease, particularly among London Jews”, there was “nothing to suggest that this show was particularly at risk”.
They added: “A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act was in force from just after 10am.
“It covers Westminster and parts of neighboring counties. “Anyone who is told to disperse by a police officer and fails to do so is liable to arrest.”
A significant police and security operation is underway ahead of the March Against Antisemitism, which starts at 1.30pm at the Royal Courts of Justice.
Police officers will be deployed on the route and in the surrounding area to ensure people’s safety and deal with possible incidents.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) 26 November 2023
Tommy Robinson joins a large group gathering outside the Royal Courts of Justice
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A large group gathered in front of the Royal Courts of Justice for a rally organized by the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
The group of several thousand people waved Israeli and Union flags and held banners reading “Never Not Now Again” and “Zero Tolerance for Anti-Semites.”
Other posters read: “Rape is not resistance” and “Hamas made me a Jew.”
Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defense League, was among those present.
Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’
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Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-right English Defense League, might join the protest, Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be tasked with officers.
Mr Robinson was seen among crowds of counter-protesters clashing with police during protests on Armistice Day.
Mr Adelekan added: “What we cannot see and will not allow to happen is the kind of violence that took place on 11 November.
“We have enough officers to prevent this from happening.”
Mr Robinson, who has supported Israel for several years along with the British Defense League, has been condemned by Jewish groups in the past.
Treasury Undersecretary ‘very concerned’ about Jewish people
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The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is “very concerned” about the Jewish people.
Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Laura Trott said: “I am very concerned that people, especially Jews, feel safe on the streets.
“I think the police should take all necessary measures to ensure that people can walk around their own city without fear.”
Fears Tommy Robinson could join protest as Met says he is ‘not welcome’
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There were fears that Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-right English Defense League, might join the protest.
Mr Robinson was last seen among counter-protesters clashing with police during protests on Armistice Day.
The Met said he was “not welcome” at the march and police warned that any offense “whether from within the protest or from any group attempting to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Treasury Undersecretary Laura Trott said: “I am very concerned that people, especially Jews, feel safe on the streets.
“I think it is right that the police take all necessary measures to ensure that people can walk around their own city without fear.”
Between 40,000 and 50,000 people are expected to attend the march
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The 90-minute march, organized by the volunteer-led Campaign Against Antisemitism, will take place in London on Sunday.
In London this weekend, Deputy Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.
Another pro-Palestinian protest will take place on Saturday, with around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.