Far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has called for an unprecedented “show of force” in London on Saturday as he seeks to surpass turnout at a similar march held in the capital last year.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pointed to the “Unite the Kingdom, Unite the West” march organised by supporters of Yaxley-Lennon — who uses the pseudonym Tommy Robinson — as evidence of “hatred and division, plain and simple”.
Tens of thousands of people were arriving at the far-right march as it got under way on Saturday afternoon, as well as a pro-Palestinian demonstration that includes a counter-protest. Saturday’s FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium will further strain police resources.