Tommy Robinson protest: What is the Met Police doing ahead of 'free speech event' in London on September 13
The Met Police has taken drastic action ahead of Tommy Robinson’s ‘free speech event’ in London this weekend.
The event, organised by Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - follows his release from prison in May. He has promoted the rally as a “stand against tyranny,” urging followers not to wear masks, avoid heavy drinking, and resist confrontation.
The 42-year-old, who founded the English Defence League, was jailed last October for breaching an injunction that barred him from repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee.
Freed in May after his sentence was reduced, he immediately pledged to stage this London event, billing it as a family-friendly celebration of free speech.
Tens of thousands of supporters are expected on Saturday, September 13, with speeches scheduled in Whitehall. Speakers are said to include Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson and Lucy Connolly, jailed last year for stirring up racial hatred after the Southport attack.
Connolly has since described herself as a “political prisoner” under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The rally is thought to likely feature open attacks on the government, staged directly outside Downing Street. Counter-protesters from Stand Up To Racism are expected to mobilise at the same time, raising the risk of clashes.
Now, the Met Police has cancelled all planned leave from police officers who would otherwise be off-duty this weekend, in anticipation of possible large-scale disorder. The force, backed by others from nearby constabularies, plan a heavy presence of uniformed and undercover officers across the city.
The force’s concerns come after last weekend’s pro-Palestine Action demonstration in Parliament Square, where police made 890 arrests.
Most were held under the Terrorism Act for showing support for the banned group, while 17 were detained for assaulting officers.
Posting on X ahead of the event, Yaxley-Lennon said: “We won't just be Uniting The Kingdom, but the world. We have the biggest speakers from all corners of the world, united in one place in a show of patriotism.
“Be part of history.”