London protests: Everything we know about anti-Islam UKIP protest and counter demo in Edgware Road on Saturday
An anti-Islam march and counter demonstration is set to take place in London on Saturday.
Organised by the UK Independence Party (UKIP), the Unite the People “No to Sharia Law” demonstration will see protesters march through the capital on Saturday.
Initial plans included a rally in Edgware Road, but following concerns from business owners and residents, the Met Police has now placed restrictions on the demonstration over “serious disorder” fears.
Instead, participants are bound to a specific route beginning on Hyde Park Corner from 11:30am and finishing by 4.30pm.
The protest has sparked backlash. Deputy leader of Westminster Council, Caroline Sargent has condemned any protest that “promotes hatred, division, or intimidation,” while MP for Queens Park and Maida Vale Georgia Gould has said she will continue to stand up for our strong, diverse community that embodies British values of mutual respect and neighbourliness.”
The UK Independence Party (UKIP), led by Nick Tenconi (centre), organised a "Walk With Jesus" march in London earlier this year AFP/Getty Where is the protest? Participants are set to assemble in a specific area on Hyde Park Corner and are not allowed to congregate before 11:30am.
From there, they must follow a specific route laid out by Met Police officers, finishing by 4:30pm.
The route takes protesters through Piccadilly, down St James’ Street, across Pall Mall, and will end outside Downing Street via Whitehall.
This is different from initial plans by protesters to meet at Edgware Road.
Protesters have been instructed not to gather before 11:30am on Saturday.
The Met Police’s conditions also mean the protest must finish by 4:30pm.
The Metropolitan Police has imposed strict conditions on the protest under the Public Order Act to “prevent serious disorder and serious disruption to communities.:
A Met Police spokesman said: “Anyone who knowingly breaches the conditions will be committing a criminal offence. Officers will be policing the events to ensure they pass safely and peacefully.”
Campaign group Stand Up To Racism has organised a counter protest dubbed “Don’t let Fascists come to Edgware Road”.
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.standard.co.uk — the content belongs to Evening Standard.
