A planned march by the far-right group Ukip through Tower Hamlets has been blocked by police, citing serious fears of violence, including potential clashes with local residents.
Scotland Yard has stated that this isn't an outright ban, and the march, which was scheduled for January 31st and intended to call for mass deportations, could still proceed elsewhere in London. This decision comes in the wake of a recent controversy surrounding the banning of Maccabi Tel Aviv football fans from a game in Birmingham, also due to concerns about potential violence.
Tower Hamlets, an area in East London with a significant Bangladeshi population, has a historical backdrop of experiencing and resisting racist attacks, sometimes through forceful means. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman of the Metropolitan Police explained that public order legislation empowers the police to impose conditions when there's a perceived risk of significant disorder. "It would be reckless to allow an event to go ahead when we understand there’s a risk of serious violence to members of the community and to our officers, and for that reason, we have made the decision to impose conditions," Harman stated.
He elaborated on the police's perspective: "I understand some of the criticism that may be levelled. I understand some of the perceptions people may have or may choose to have, but we have to be clear-eyed about our role, which is about protecting communities… It is an assessment of safety and we are intervening to ensure safety."
Harman further highlighted that the primary concern, according to the Met's assessment, stems from the potential reaction of the local community in Tower Hamlets. This was a key factor among several considered by police commanders in their decision to divert Ukip away from the area. "Largely it is the reaction of the local community, or members of that local community [that] may lead to disorder," he noted. He also mentioned that the conduct of the protesters, the nature and location of the protest, community feedback regarding their fears, and past incidents all contributed to the risk assessment.
But here's where it gets controversial... This situation draws parallels to the recent resignation of Craig Guildford, the former chief constable of West Midlands Police, following criticism over his decision to ban Israeli football fans from a match. While some senior officers in the West Midlands believed the ban prevented serious violence, others felt the decision was based on flawed reasoning. Harman, however, emphasized the distinction: "I won’t draw a comparison with Maccabi, but it’s not a ban, because on January 31st, Ukip may very well be able to undertake their protest, but to do so at a location which we do not feel, we do not assess, we do not believe, to pose a risk of serious disorder and serious violence."
Anyone defying this order and found to be participating in the Ukip protest would face arrest. Harman confirmed that a similar decision was made in October to direct Ukip away from a planned parade in Tower Hamlets.
Harman, who leads the Met's public order and protest strategy, pointed out the increasing complexity and frequency of protests across various causes, from pro-Palestinian demonstrations to those against the Iranian regime. He revealed that the Met has spent £76 million policing 884 protests in the past two years.
And this is the part most people miss... This isn't the first time such a measure has been taken. In 2011, the then Home Secretary, Theresa May, banned a march by the English Defence League through Tower Hamlets, also due to fears of violence.
What are your thoughts on the police's decision to reroute the march? Do you believe it's a necessary measure to prevent violence, or does it infringe on the right to protest? Share your opinions in the comments below!
