NewsBeat
London protests: Everything we know about anti-Islam UKIP protest and counter demo in Edgware Road 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.”
Everything you need to know about the UKIP anti-Islam protest
The UK Independence Party (UKIP), led by Nick Tenconi (centre), organised a “Walk With Jesus” march in London earlier this year
AFP/Getty
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.
What time is the protest?
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.
What has the Met Police said?
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.”
Where is the counter protest?
Campaign group Stand Up To Racism has organised a counter protest dubbed “Don’t let Fascists come to Edgware Road”.
The group plans to meet opposite Downing Street on Richmond Terrace. The static rally must end by 4:30pm.
The group said in a post on X: “Don’t let the far right spread their message of hate. Let’s show our unity & solidarity.”
UK Independence Party (UKIP) party leader Nick Tenconi speaking in Trafalgar Square in London, during a Ukip organised rally.
PA
Nick Tenconi is the leader of the UKIP party, having assumed the role in June 2024.
He took over after Lois Perry quit to endorse Reform UK during the 2024 general election.
Mr Tenconi has made Christianity a key part of policy and is also the Chief Operating Officer of Turning Point UK – a UK offshoot of the American pressure group of the same name.
Have there been any other protests by UKIP?
Nick Tenconi has attempted to organise similar anti-Islam protests in London.
His last protest was planned to take place in Whitechapel in October last year. However, the event – which was promoted as a “mass deportations tour” – was cancelled after the Met Police ruled that it could cause “serious disorder”.
A march did go ahead in January this year, though once again, UKIP was blocked from marching through Tower Hamlets.
A separate march held by the English Defence League was blocked by then-home secretary Theresa May in 2011 after the group also announced plan to go through the east London borough.
Mr Tenconi has frequently visited universities in the UK, holding talks and debates to promote his agenda.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login