London Under Tension with Simultaneous Anti-Immigration and Pro-Palestine Protests

On Saturday, May 16, thousands of people began to march in central London: some against immigration and Islam, while others showed support for Palestine.

The police were on high alert, anticipating protests that could draw tens of thousands to London, including an event led by anti-Islam and anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, who aims to stage another show of strength.

Approximately 4,000 police officers will be deployed in what is described as an unprecedented operation in recent years, overseeing both a pro-Palestinian march and the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium, which is expected to attract nearly 90,000 spectators.

The police plan to deploy armored vehicles, drones, helicopters, and live facial recognition cameras — a first for a protest.

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, will attempt to replicate the success of his September march, which saw up to 150,000 people converge on London to advocate for "freedom of speech."

"Do not wear masks, refrain from excessive drinking, and remain peaceful," urged this popular activist on X, despite past convictions and prison time.

This march, named "Unite the Kingdom," is not affiliated with the anti-immigration party Reform UK. However, it comes a week after the party led by Nigel Farage saw local electoral success and is currently leading polls for the upcoming general elections in 2029.

Downing Street announced that 11 "foreign far-right agitators" have been banned from entering the UK. Among them is American-Colombian Valentina Gomez, "known for making incendiary and dehumanizing remarks about Muslims."

Polish nationalist MEP Dominik Tarczynski and Flemish regional MP Filip Dewinter from the Belgian far-right party Vlaams Belang also reported being denied entry.

Their invitation highlights the dynamics of an "international" far-right, with "a network working in synergy," says Matthew Feldman, a specialist at Teesside University.

While participation is "difficult" to estimate, police expect it to exceed "50,000 people," Commander Clair Haynes stated during a meeting at the London police's command and control center with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Source: France24