UK government has barred 11 foreign far-right activists from entering the country ahead of a weekend of major demonstrations in London, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to use the full force of the law against anyone seeking to spread hatred or intimidate communities.
Thousands of people are expected to gather in the capital on Saturday for a march organised by Unite the Kingdom, alongside a large pro-Palestinian demonstration that will also include anti-racism campaigners from Stand Up to Racism. The scale of the events is expected to make this one of the busiest policing operations London has seen in years.
Speaking after visiting the Metropolitan Police’s Command and Control Special Operations Room, the Prime Minister emphasised that the country was facing a defining challenge.
“We’re in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.
“We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.
Keir Starmer
The Prime Minister further indicated that, “My government will always champion peaceful protest but will act decisively against hatred,” adding, “We all have a responsibility to speak out against those spouting vile, divisive views wherever we see it.”
“We are a country built on decency, fairness and respect, at our best when people from different backgrounds come together in common purpose. That is what we must fight for.”
Keir Starmer
Starmer stressed that he recognises most of those expected to take part are law-abiding citizens exercising their right to protest peacefully, and he urged all participants to conduct themselves with decency and respect.
Among those denied entry is US-based extremist Valentina Gomez, who has drawn widespread criticism for inflammatory and dehumanising remarks about Muslim communities.
According to the government, the decision to block her and 10 others reflects a broader determination to prevent foreign agitators from importing extremist rhetoric and fuelling tensions in Britain.
These actions form part of a wider effort to safeguard public order while protecting the right to peaceful protest. They stressed that Britain remains open to lawful expression, but not to individuals whose intention is to incite violence, hatred or intimidation.
The Prime Minister warned that any minority intent on whipping up hatred and threatening communities during the weekend’s marches would face swift and decisive action.
Britain Tightens Security Ahead of Major London Protests
Moreover, Britain has launched an extensive security operation ahead of major demonstrations in London, as the government seeks to ensure that peaceful protest is protected while any attempts to spread hatred or incite violence are dealt with swiftly.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer met senior police chiefs and acknowledged that the overwhelming majority of those expected to attend the protests are law-abiding citizens exercising their democratic rights.
Thousands of police officers will be deployed across the capital over the weekend, backed by live facial recognition technology, helicopters, drones, mounted units, police dogs and armoured vehicles.
According to a government communiqué, the operation is intended to respond rapidly to any outbreaks of disorder and to reassure communities that may feel vulnerable.
The Metropolitan Police has warned that officers will arrest individuals who incite hatred, including those using chants such as “globalise the intifada,” where the context suggests unlawful incitement.
In a further show of resolve, the government has announced £18 million in emergency funding for the Metropolitan Police to bolster security arrangements and provide reassurance to Britain’s Jewish community, which has experienced a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent months.
The justice system has also been placed on heightened alert. Prosecutors will work closely with police to speed up charging decisions, while additional courts will sit for extended hours to ensure that suspects are brought before judges without delay.
According to government officials, these measures reflect concern that a small number of violent extremists could exploit otherwise peaceful demonstrations to inflame tensions.
They insist the response is not intended to restrict legitimate protest, but to draw a firm line against hate speech, intimidation and violence.
With tensions high and public scrutiny intense, the government highlighted that its objective is clear: to safeguard peaceful protest while taking decisive action against anyone who threatens to spread division or fear.
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