UMVA has learned that London is bracing itself for a massive showdown between rival protests, with thousands of people expected to take to the streets in support of far-right activist Tommy Robinson and pro-Palestine demonstrators.
As the city gears up for what promises to be one of the busiest days for policing in recent years, the Metropolitan Police has deployed a staggering 4,000 officers in one of the force's largest public order operations ever, costing a whopping £4.5 million.
The Unite the Kingdom rally, organized by Robinson, is expected to draw around 80,000 protesters, while the Nakba Day protests, which mark the Palestinian Catastrophe, are expected to attract a further 30,000 people.
Meanwhile, thousands of fans will be heading to Wembley to watch the FA Cup Final, adding to the chaos and congestion in the city. The police have urged protesters to stay away from each other, with each group given set routes to avoid clashes.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that several people have already been arrested at both marches, with 11 people taken into custody for various offences. The arrests come as the police warned that they will be taking a tough stance against anyone who breaks the law.
Kim Anderson, a 68-year-old woman from Norwich, was spotted at the Unite the Kingdom rally, where she called for an end to immigration and billions being spent on people who contribute nothing to the country. "I'm fed up of Starmer," she declared. "This country is a mess. I am disgusted for being called far-right."
UMVA has gathered that the Metropolitan Police will be using live facial recognition cameras for the first time during a public order operation, but not on the march routes. The cameras will be used to track protesters and identify potential troublemakers.
As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman warned that Saturday has the potential to be one of the busiest days for policing in London in recent years. "We'll be policing two significant and potentially challenging protests in the centre of the city as well as the FA Cup Final which takes place at Wembley on the same day."
The Metropolitan Police has urged prosecutors to assess whether slogans, symbols or chants may influence audiences online if they are filmed and shared. The force has described the security operation as "unprecedented" and has warned that anyone who breaks the law will face the full force of the law.
The protests are set to take place in the heart of the city, with the Unite the Kingdom rally forming up in Kingsway before heading to Whitehall via Aldwych and The Strand. The Nakba Day protests will form on Exhibition Road in Kensington, before going to Waterloo Place via Brompton Road.
The rallies will then head to Piccadilly, where they will take place. As the city prepares for what promises to be a day of chaos and drama, UMVA will be bringing you all the latest updates and developments from the streets of London.
