Thousands to march against antisemitism in London as police say far-right not welcome – live

Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in London later in a demonstration against antisemitism.

Both ministers and the Metropolitan Police have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets, amid concern about rising tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.

The rally in the capital comes after tens of thousands of people gathered once again on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.

They added that while they there may be “additional nervousness, particularly among Jewish Londoners”, there was “nothing to suggest this demonstration was at particular risk”.

They added: “A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has been in effect since just after 10am.

“It covers Westminster and parts of neighbouring boroughs. Anyone told by an officer to disperse who fails to do so is liable to arrest.”

The group of a few thousand waved Israeli and Union flags and held placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites”.

Other posters read: “Rape is not resistance” and “Hamas made me Jewish”.

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was among those present.

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be engaged by officers.

Mr Adelekan added: “What we cannot see and what we will not let happen is the kind of violence that happened on November 11.

“We have got enough officers in order to make sure we prevent that from happening.”

Mr Robinson who, along with the English Defence League, has demonstrated support for Israel for a number of years, has been condemned by Jewish groups in the past.

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

There have been fears that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest.

The Met said he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, the Gold Commander in London this weekend, said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Another pro-Palestinian protest of around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall will also be held on Saturday, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.