Met to send 4,000 officers to police rival protests

"The Metropolitan Police has warned that it is preparing for potential violence and hate speech crimes across two protests in London this Saturday. More than 4,000 officers will be drafted in to police the rival events - possibly one of the largest protest deployment in decades - amid fears that far-right demonstrators could clash with pro-Palestine marchers if the two groups are not kept apart. Scotland Yard said the risks meant it had to impose the "highest degree of control"."

"Measures it is planning include the first authorisation of live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration. The force added it was taking the rare step of putting its armoured vehicles on standby. Drones will also be deployed to scan for suspects, and all officers will be equipped with riot gear. Tens of thousands are expected to join a "Unite the Kingdom" event organised by anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, as well as at the annual "Nakba Day" Palestinian protest in another part of central London."

"Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said he had "significant cause for concern" but the force could not ask for either protest event to be banned. Under the law, the police can only request the home secretary to stop a march if they do not have the resources to contain a risk of serious disorder. In this case, the Met believes they can keep both events separate and contained using their "most assertive" powers. The 4.5m plan includes strict conditions on the routes of both events, making organisers personally responsible for the conduct of speakers on stages and authorising officers to use enhanced public order powers to stop and search potential troublemakers and disperse them out of central London."

The Metropolitan Police warned of potential violence and hate speech crimes across two London protests on Saturday. More than 4,000 officers will be deployed, described as among the largest protest policing operations in decades. The force plans strict route conditions, enhanced public order powers, and measures including live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration. Armoured vehicles will be on standby, and drones will be used to scan for suspects. All officers will carry riot gear. The Met expects tens of thousands to attend events including “Unite the Kingdom” and “Nakba Day,” while additional pressure comes from tens of thousands of football fans at Wembley for the FA Cup Final. The police said they cannot seek bans because they believe they can keep events separate and contained using assertive powers.

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