Heavy Police Presence Ready for London’s Saturday Protests
Central London is braced for a major policing operation today, Saturday 26 September, as multiple demonstrations gear up to rock the capital.
Trafalgar Square to Hyde Park: Protests Planned
Several protests are set across London, with a large gathering expected to kick off at Trafalgar Square before marching to Hyde Park. The Metropolitan Police have spent the week warning organisers about legal obligations, stressing that some events could break Coronavirus rules designed to keep people safe.
Met Police: Engage, Explain, Encourage — Enforce If Needed
Officers will patrol all day, especially around protest hotspots, using their ‘4 Es’ approach: engage, explain, encourage, and only enforce as a last resort. Police make it clear they will act tough if crowds ignore social distancing or risk harm to themselves, the public, or officers.
“Officers will continue to engage and explain the rules,” said Commander Ade Adelekan, leading the operation.
“I know there is great frustration to these regulations, but they have been designed to keep everyone safe from what is a lethal virus. By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and the health of your loved ones at risk.”
Strict Rules and Zero Tolerance for Violence
Remember, gatherings of more than six people are illegal unless exempt, such as protests. But organisers must submit risk assessments and enforce social distancing. Some have complied; others haven’t. The Met will increase pressure on non-compliant groups and encourage dispersal.
Public order officers, backed by specialist teams including the Mounted Branch, will be on tight alert. They won’t tolerate violence after last weekend’s ugly scenes, which saw 15 officers injured and 32 arrests.
“I will not tolerate a repeat of this behaviour this weekend and officers will respond quickly to any scenes of violence,”
– Commander Ade Adelekan
