The Met has slammed the brakes on UKIP’s planned Whitechapel protest this weekend, citing serious fears over public disorder and community safety.
UKIP’s ‘Mass Deportations’ Rally Banned in Tower Hamlets
The far-right party had set up a march from Whitechapel Station on Saturday, 25 October. They later switched to a static rally in the same spot. Dubbed a “mass deportations tour,” UKIP called it a “crusade” urging supporters to “reclaim Whitechapel from the Islamists.”
But Tower Hamlets, boasting the UK’s largest Muslim population, was never going to take it lying down. A tough counter-protest from Stand Up To Racism and local groups was expected — threatening to spark chaos.
Met Police Invoke Public Order Act to Block Protest
Met officers slapped a Section 14(3) Public Order Act order on UKIP, banning any protests in Tower Hamlets. Commander Nick John, in charge of public order policing, warned of a “realistic prospect of serious disorder” if the demo went ahead.
“We have a responsibility to use the powers available to us to avoid both disorder and disruption,” said Commander John. “UKIP can protest elsewhere, but not in Tower Hamlets. Anyone breaching the ban faces arrest.”
Heavy Police Presence Ready for Saturday
The Met’s Protest Liaison Team is open to talks if UKIP suggests another venue. Meanwhile, a strong police force will patrol Whitechapel on Saturday, ready to clamp down on trouble and keep the peace.
