The Metropolitan Police are deploying thousands of officers across London this weekend as far-right groups and pro-Palestine activists prepare for major demonstrations that threaten to clash in the capital.
Police chiefs face a challenging operation to keep opposing factions apart, with commanders drawing up detailed plans including separate routes and timings for the protests. The demonstrations come amid heightened tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has sparked numerous large-scale marches across Britain in recent months.
The involvement of far-right groups adds significant complexity to what has become a regular policing challenge in London. Officers will deploy specialist public order units to monitor crowds, intervene in disturbances, and manage traffic flow across the city centre.
Far-right protests typically draw counter-demonstrations, further straining police resources. The Met has faced both criticism and praise for its handling of previous large-scale protests, constantly balancing the right to demonstrate with public safety concerns.
The weekend operation will cost millions of pounds and divert officers from other duties across the capital. Such events highlight the deep divisions within British society over international conflicts, with London frequently becoming the focal point for contentious demonstrations that test the limits of free expression.