LONDON, May 15 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
* Elevenforeign far-rightagitatorshave been blocked from coming to the UK, ahead of the unpatriotic Unite the Kingdom March
* Prime Minister warnsviolent thugs who spew hatred on our streets will face the full force of the law
* Saturdayexpected beone of the busiest days for policing in recent years, as thousands descend on the capital
Elevenforeign far-right agitatorsintent on coming to the UK tospew their extremist viewshave been blocked from entering the country,as thePrime Ministertakes action to protectBritish communities from vile hate.
One of thosebarred from the UKisUS-based extremist Valentina Gomez, known forusing inflammatory and dehumanising rhetoric about Muslim communities.
Thousands are set to arrive in London on Saturday with a march organised by Unite the Kingdom. There will also be a pro-Palestine protest, who will be joined by Stand Up to Racism. This will make it one of the busiest policing days for the capital in years.
The Prime Ministerhas warnedthat theminority ofviolent thugs who plan toattend the marches this weekendwith the intention ofwhippingup hatred and threateningcommunities will face the full force of the law.
The Met has confirmed they will arrest individuals who incite hatred, including using chants such as "globalise the intifada". This follows the Government providing the Met with £18 million in emergency funding to protect and reassure the Jewish community.
During a visit tothe Metropolitan Police's Command and Control Special Operations Room,the Prime Ministerheardhow thousands of officers will be deployed to keep the public safe, equipped with live facial recognitiontechnology, helicopters, drones, dog units, police horses and armoured vehicles.
These officers will be supported bya ramped-upjustice system,ready to quicklyhaulviolent offendersin front of judges. Prosecutors will also be working alongside police to speed up charging decisions,andmorecourts will be open, and open for longer.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
"We'rein 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 organisersare peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.
"We will block those coming into the UK whoseekto 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.
"My government will alwayschampionpeaceful protest but will act decisively against hatred. 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,fairnessand respect,at ourbest when people fromdifferent backgroundscome together in common purpose. That is what we must fight for."
MeetingPolice Chiefs on Friday morning, thePrime Minister also made clear he recognises that the majority expected to attend are law-abiding citizens, who want to protest peacefully, andurged everyone attendinga protest toact with decency and respect.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
