Police clampdown on Welcome Trump march amid fears over clash with Free Tommy Robinson mob
Police chiefs will impose restrictions on a march greeting the visit US president Donald Trump for fear it will clash with another demonstration against the jailing of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.
The Welcome Trump event will rally at the new US Embassy in Nine Elms, Battersea, on Saturday, and walk to Whitehall.
But the same day EDL supporters will march to protest against the imprisonment of Robinson, 35, who was jailed in May for contempt of court after filming himself outside a trial.
Supporters including far right thugs have staged sometimes violent demonstrations branding him a political prisoner — despite Robinson being in clear breach of strict court reporting laws. Footage showed the protesters grappling with police as tensions erupted in Leeds last week.
A recent event involving the ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ group on June 9, resulted in serious violence in central London, with bottles, metal barriers and other objects thrown at police officers. Five officers suffered injuries and there were nine arrests.
A statement issued today by the Met said: “In order to prevent serious disorder and disruption to Londoners, conditions have been imposed on the ‘Welcome Trump’ procession, under Section 12 of the Public Order Act 1996. The protest group ‘Welcome Trump’ has stated its intention to hold a procession from the US Embassy to Whitehall, where it will join the ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ rally at this location.
“Conditions are also being imposed on a counter demonstration to oppose the ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ rally, under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1996.
“Both events are due to take place on Saturday, 14 July. The conditions have been imposed due to concerns of serious public disorder and disruption to the community.
“A significant policing operation will be in place for the duration of both events on 14 July, which is designed to prevent trouble from flaring up and facilitate peaceful protest, whilst ensuring Londoners are not unduly impacted. Dedicated teams of highly flexible officers will be on standby at key locations in the Capital. Police Liaison Officers will be present to assist with engagement for peaceful protest.”
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