Thousands march against antisemitism in London as Tommy Robinson arrested – live

Thousands gather to march against antisemitism through central London

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Tommy Robinson has been arrested at a march against antisemitism in London after police warned the far-right was“not welcome”.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the march, held the day after a pro-Palestinian protest in the capital called again for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending.

Ahead of the march, the Met warned that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with, as both the force and ministers have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets.

There had been fears in that Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.

The weekend marches took place as a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding following the release of two groups of hostages

Show latest update 1701005141In pictures: a large group has gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in march against anti-semitism

Police officers in attendance as people take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London

(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

The Met Police said a ‘significant policing and security operation was underway’

(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Vanessa Feltz was in attendance as she interviewed a protestor

(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Maira Butt26 November 2023 13:25

1701004550Met Police say ‘significant policing and security operation underway’

They added that while they there may be “additional nervousness, particularly among Jewish Londoners”, there was “nothing to suggest this demonstration was at particular risk”.

They added: “A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has been in effect since just after 10am.

“It covers Westminster and parts of neighbouring boroughs. Anyone told by an officer to disperse who fails to do so is liable to arrest.”

Maira Butt26 November 2023 13:15

1701003914 Tommy Robinson in attendance as large group gathers outside Royal Courts of Justice

The group of a few thousand waved Israeli and Union flags and held placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites”.

Other posters read: “Rape is not resistance” and “Hamas made me Jewish”.

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was among those present.

Maira Butt26 November 2023 13:05

1701003860Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be engaged by officers.

Mr Adelekan added: “What we cannot see and what we will not let happen is the kind of violence that happened on November 11.

“We have got enough officers in order to make sure we prevent that from happening.”

Mr Robinson who, along with the English Defence League, has demonstrated support for Israel for a number of years, has been condemned by Jewish groups in the past.

Maira Butt26 November 2023 13:04

1701003600Chief secretary to Treasury ‘very concerned’ about Jewish people

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

Maira Butt26 November 2023 13:00

1701003213Fears Tommy Robinson could attend protest as Met say he is not ‘welcome’

There have been fears that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest.

The Met said he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’

(PA)

Maira Butt26 November 2023 12:53

1701002781Between 40,000 to 50,000 expected to attend march

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, the Gold Commander in London this weekend, said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Another pro-Palestinian protest of around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall will also be held on Saturday, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.

Maira Butt26 November 2023 12:46

1701001520Thousands to march in London rally against antisemitism

Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in London later in a demonstration against antisemitism.

Both ministers and the Metropolitan Police have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets, amid concern about rising tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.

The rally in the capital comes after tens of thousands of people gathered once again on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.

Maira Butt26 November 2023 12:25