Great Britain "Unprecedented": London's police deployed on a large scale for mega demonstrations
Two demonstrations with tens of thousands of expected participants and a cup final match require a large-scale police operation in the British capital today. According to the Guardian, a high-ranking Metropolitan Police official spoke of an unprecedented operation that could cost up to 4.5 million pounds sterling (around 5.16 million euros). According to a statement from the London police, 4,000 police officers, horses, dogs, drones and helicopters will be deployed to prevent riots and clashes.
16.05.2026, 14:04
SDA
According to the Guardian, Scotland Yard is expecting 50,000 people to attend the "Unite the Kingdom" demonstration organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. A further 15,000 to 40,000 are expected at a pro-Palestinian rally to mark Nakba Day. In addition, tens of thousands of football fans make the pilgrimage to the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium between Premier League clubs Chelsea FC and Manchester City.
Officers injured at right-wing demonstration in September
A first edition of the "Unite the Kingdom" march, which this year led from London's West End to the square in front of Parliament, attracted more than 100,000 people last September. There were attacks on the police. A good two dozen officers were injured.
In a post on the short message service X, Justice Minister David Lammy accused the organizers of the "Unite the Kingdom" demonstration of spreading hatred and division. Should violence occur, he said, swift action would be taken. Additional capacities are available at the courts for this, he wrote.
This year, the right-wing rally coincides with the pro-Palestinian demonstration on Nakba Day, which commemorates the expulsion of Palestinians following the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Participants gathered in the Kensington district for the event. The aim is to prevent the two sides from clashing.
