Tommy Robinson march - LIVE: Hundreds join extremist protest after Robinson charged with terror offence
Far-right expected to be met with anti-racist counter-protest
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The Metropolitan Police are currently dealing with hundreds extremist right-wing protesters supporting Tommy Robinson.
Chants of “Oh Tommy, Tommy” were heard as hundreds of attendees were met with heavy police presence as they began marching over an hour early on Saturday.
They are expected to be met with a counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism which called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
The Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police are being supported by officers from other forces across the country as the Met said there will be a “significant police presence” across the demonstrations.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is missing his own planned ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ march after being remanded into custody by police on Friday.
He is accused of being in contempt of court following the airing of a film at a protest in central London and after attending Folkestone Police station on Friday, he was separately charged with failing to provide his mobile phone Pin to police under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Kent Police said.
Counter-protest forming
The Stand Up To Racism counter-protest is forming up in Regent Street St James’s.
The march is set to begin at 1pm, heading up and around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and round into the top of Whitehall.
Pictures as far-right await beginning of march
Assembly area moved after march set off early
The assembly area of the far-right march has been adjusted after attendees set off from Victoria Station over an hour early.
The Met Police said: “The ‘Uniting the Kingdom’ march is forming up in Victoria Street. Working with the event organisers we have moved the forming up area north to the junction with Buckingham Gate to help keep the area around the station clear. The march will set off at 12.30pm.”
March halted after setting off early
The extremist far-right march has been halted temporarilynafter setting off over an hour early.
What appears to be hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered at Victoria Station on Saturday morning as they prepared to march to Whitehall at the given time of 1pm.
The start of the march was brought forward by the police to 12:30pm, however those in attendance began marching over an hour early.
They have now been halted down the road.
Latest pictures from far-right rally
Far-right chant ‘oh Tommy, Tommy'
Hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters are chanting “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “We want Starmer out” ahead of the Unite The Kingdom rally.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is missing his own planned march after being remanded into custody by police on Friday.
Counter-protesters gather
Anti-racist counter-protesters have begun to gather as they prepare to oppose Tommy Robinson’s far-right march.
The counter-protest - organised by Stand Up to Racism - will begin at Regent Street St James’s and finish at the north end of Whitehall.
Stand Up to Racism called on its supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.
Tommy Robinson supporters begin to gather - without Robinson
People have begun gathering for Tommy Robinson’s far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march in Victoria, central London.
What appears to be hundreds of people - with many holding British or English flags - have congregated ahead of their planned march to Whitehall.
Robinson himself will not be present at the march after he was remanded in police custody on Friday.
Full story: Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence after failing to provide phone password
Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson has been charged under terror laws after he surrendered to a Kent police station.
The 41-year-old was pictured arriving at Folkestone police station on Friday after telling his followers on X/Twitter that he expected to be arrested.
After arriving in a black Nissan Elgrand, he hugged supporters waiting outside for him who then cheered as he entered the police station at 3pm.
Kent Police later confirmed he has been charged with failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
Read the full story here:
Tommy Robinson charged under terror laws
The right-wing figure attended Folkestone Police Station where he was charged under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, Kent Police said
Met Police full statement ahead of planned protests
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.“Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest.
“We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.
“We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.
“The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events.
“We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”
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