Increased police presence for Saturday protests

There will be an increased police presence in central London tomorrow with a number of protests planned against a backdrop of an already very busy day in the run up to Christmas.

A static protest organised under the banner of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ is scheduled to take place at the north end of Whitehall from 1500hrs.

A related counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will take place at the south end of Whitehall from 1300hrs.

A protest march in opposition to digital ID will set off from Portland Place from 1400hrs, proceeding along Regent Street, around Piccadilly Circus, down Haymarket and round into the north end of Whitehall where a rally will take place.

The map below shows how the three protests will be positioned:

Commander Adam Slonecki, who is in charge of the policing operation, said: “Every weekend in London is busy but that is especially the case at this time of year when the transport network, shops and public spaces will see much higher footfall.

“In that context, it is particularly important that we ensure that where groups are exercising their lawful right to protest, we use the powers available to us to ensure those protests don’t cause serious disruption to the many other people – Londoners and visitors alike – going about their lives.

“We have imposed a series of Public Order Act conditions setting out limits on locations and timings of the protests. I’d urge anyone coming to participate to familiarise themselves with the details which are set out below.

“I’m grateful to the officers who will be deployed to keep the public and protesters safe, and to ensure any incidents or offences can be swiftly dealt with.”

Details of the Public Order Act conditions in place:

Protest against digital ID:

Section 14 Public Order Act

Any person participating in the protest against digital ID march must form up in the area shown in blue on the map below (Portland Place) until such time as the march begins.

Section 12 Public Order Act:

Any person participating in the protest against digital ID march must stick to the route shown on the map below, namely Portland Place, Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Cockspur Street and Whitehall.

The march must begin moving along the route by 1400hrs.

Section 14 Public Order Act:

Any person participating in the rally portion of the protest against digital ID must remain within the blue shaded area on the map below. The stage must be placed in the specific location. The rally must conclude by 1800hrs.

Unite the Kingdom protest

Section 14 Public Order Act

Any person participating in the Unite the Kingdom protest must remain in the area shown in red on the map below. The protest must conclude by 1800hrs.

While it does not form part of the conditions, participants are urged to approach the protest either from the north end of Whitehall (Trafalgar Square) or along Horse Guards Avenue. Access will not be possible from the south end of Whitehall as barriers will be in place to keep opposing protest groups apart.

Stand Up To Racism protest

Section 14 Public Order Act

Any person participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest must remain in the area marked in yellow on the map below. The protest must conclude by 1600hrs.

While it does not form part of the conditions, participants are urged to approach the protest from the south end of Whitehall (Westminster/Parliament Square). Access will not be possible from the north end of Whitehall as barriers will be in place to keep opposing protest groups apart.