Police: ‘Serious concerns’ of violence at pro-Donald Trump and Tommy Robinson demonstrations
Scotland Yard has warned of its “serious concerns” that there could disorder at planned pro-Donald Trump and Tommy Robinson demonstrations in London today.
The police have imposed conditions on the marches under the Public Order Act to “prevent serious disorder and disruption to Londoners”.
Chief Superintendent Elaine Van-Orden said: “We have such serious concerns about this event on Saturday, 14 July, that we have made the decision to impose conditions under the Public Order Act. We have a duty to ensure that the community can go about their daily business not unduly impacted by demonstrations taking place.”
The police said they had decided to impose conditions after a previous ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ rally descended into violence.
Police said five officers were injured in “serious violence” at the rally on 9 June after bottles, metal barriers and other objects were thrown at police officers.
Former English Defence League leader Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was given a 13 month prison sentence in May for contempt of court after filming himself and others outside the trial of a child grooming gang in Leeds while making comments that could have prejudiced the case.
"Our message is simple: if you wish to protest peacefully, that is your right and we want to work with you. If you commit criminal acts or breach the conditions of the event, you are liable to be arrested," Van-Orden said.
The pro-Trump marchers are meeting at Temple Place at 1pm before marching down the Embankment, along Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place to Whitehall where they will join the Tommy Robinson demonstration.
The police have also applied conditions to a planned counter-demonstration opposing the Tommy Robinson rally in Whitehall.
Participants must assemble in Parliament Street to the south of a police barrier across the road.
The protest must start no earlier than noon and finish at or before 6.30pm.
There is a separate counter-march organised by 'Stand Up to Racism' in Old Palace Yard which is not affected by these conditions.
Yesterday thousands marched through Central London to protest against US President Trump who is on his first visit to the UK since being elected in 2016.
Trump is currently in Scotland staying on his Turnberry golf course having met the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday.