London Police Mobilize 4,000 Officers for Rival Protests, FA Cup Final

The Metropolitan Police warned it is preparing for potential violence and hate speech crimes at two protests in London this Saturday.

More than 4,000 officers will police the rival events, possibly one of the largest protest deployments in decades, amid fears that far-right demonstrators could clash with pro-Palestine marchers if the groups are not kept apart. Tens of thousands of football fans are also expected at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup Final, adding pressure on the capital's police.

The Met plans to use live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration for the first time and has put armoured vehicles on standby, a rare step. Tens of thousands are expected at the Unite the Kingdom event organized by anti-Islam activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and 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 to be banned. Police can only request the home secretary to stop a march if they lack resources to contain a risk of serious disorder. The Met believes it can keep both events separate using its most assertive powers.

The £4.5 million plan sets strict conditions on routes, holds organizers responsible for speakers' conduct, and authorizes enhanced public order powers to stop, search and disperse potential troublemakers from central London. Many of the 4,000 officers are diverted from normal duties, with 660 coming from forces outside London.

Harman said the events come amid heightened fears in Jewish and Muslim communities and after the national terrorism threat level rose to its second-highest rating. "These factors give us significant cause for concern as we head into the weekend and require a policing plan that provides us with the most assertive grip on the movement of large numbers of people, large groups, and the potential for serious disorder and other criminality that may arise as a result," he said.

Yaxley-Lennon's first Unite the Kingdom event last September drew at least 100,000 to London. Attendees saw it as a chance to express their view of British identity, but clashes with police and anti-Muslim hate speech incidents occurred.

The Home Office has banned at least seven people from entering the UK for Saturday's event. Specialist officers will work with prosecutors to arrest and charge hate speech crimes quickly, including chants referring to intifada at the pro-Palestine march.

"If something is hateful and intimidating we will take action whatever the academic or historical interpretation of those words," Harman said. "We have been clear since the outset, we would not accept routes or rally locations that would increase the risk of intimidation to any particular community, or that would risk the two protests coming together."