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Police tell Trump supporters not to march from US embassy Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters gather in Whitehall
(about 2 hours later)
Police have ordered Donald Trump supporters not to march from the US embassy in Nine Elms to Whitehall in an effort to prevent public disorder in central London on Saturday. Several thousand Tommy Robinson supporters gathered in Whitehall on Saturday to call for the English Defence League founder to be released from prison.
The Welcome Trump group had planned to hold speeches outside the embassy on Saturday afternoon before marching to Whitehall to join a protest being staged by supporters of the English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson.
The conditions imposed under the Public Order Act require both the Trump and Robinson supporters to gather at Temple Place on the Embankment at 1pm and proceed along the Embankment, Northumberland Avenue, Whitehall Place to Whitehall.
“Any other march that is associated with Welcome Trump and free Tommy Robinson cause will contravene the section 12 Public Order Act conditions,” the Metropolitan police said.
However, some Robinson supporters gathered at the embassy, unaware of the restrictions, and were only being allowed to leave in small groups, while others had gone to Temple Place.An event staged by the “Free Tommy Robinson” group on 9 June resulted in serious violence in central London, police said, with bottles, metal barriers and other objects thrown at officers. Five police were injured and nine arrests were made.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court in late May.Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court in late May.
He was arrested on 25 May after broadcasting an hour-long video on Facebook from outside Leeds crown court. In the video he made comments that risked causing a trial to collapse.He was arrested on 25 May after broadcasting an hour-long video on Facebook from outside Leeds crown court. In the video he made comments that risked causing a trial to collapse.
The Met said a significant policing operation will be in place to allow peaceful protest while ensuring Londoners are not affected. Speakers took to the stage in Whitehall to tell the crowd it was “absolutely outrageous that Tommy Robinson is incarcerated in a tiny cell” to cheers and applause.
Chief Supt Elaine Van-Orden said: “We have such serious concerns about this event on Saturday 14 July that we have made the decision to impose conditions under the Public Order Act. We have a duty to ensure that the community can go about their daily business not unduly impacted by demonstrations taking place. There were chants of “we want Tommy out” and banners stating “Stop grooming gangs” were displayed.
“Our message is simple: if you wish to protest peacefully, that is your right and we want to work with you. If you commit criminal acts or breach the conditions of the event, you are liable to be arrested.” There was a heavy police presence at the demonstration, with officers on horseback, while others took video of some protesters.
A counter-Robinson protest organised by Stand Up to Racism was due to begin at 1pm at Old Palace Yard with speeches from figures including MEPs Claude Moraes and Jean Lambert before proceeding to Whitehall. The Metropolitan police had imposed public order conditions on the Robinson demonstration in an attempt to prevent a repeat of violence on 9 June when bottles, metal barriers and other objects were thrown at officers. Five police officers were injured and nine arrests were made.
Donald Trump Police also ordered Donald Trump supporters not to march from the US embassy in Nine Elms to Whitehall as planned. A small number of pro-Trump signs could be seen among the crowd in Whitehall.
Chief Supt Elaine Van-Orden said: “We have such serious concerns about this event on Saturday 14 July that we have made the decision to impose conditions under the Public Order Act. Our message is simple: if you wish to protest peacefully, that is your right and we want to work with you. If you commit criminal acts or breach the conditions of the event, you are liable to be arrested.”
A counter-Robinson protest organised by Stand Up to Racism was being held in Westminster on Saturday. Organisers said they had been prevented by police from staging speeches. Figures including MEPs Claude Moraes and Jean Lambert had been expected to speak.
English Defence LeagueEnglish Defence League
Donald Trump
LondonLondon
Metropolitan policeMetropolitan police
The far rightThe far right
PolicePolice
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