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Met Police Ban UKIP Whitechapel Protest Across Tower Hamlets Citing Risk of Disorder

The force invoked Public Order Act powers after assessing a counter‑protest risk in a borough with England’s highest share of Muslim residents.

Overview

  • Section 14(3) conditions bar participants in the UKIP event from entering Tower Hamlets on 25 October after plans shifted from a march to an assembly near Whitechapel Station.
  • The Met said there is a realistic prospect of serious disorder and warned of arrests for any breach, with a sizeable police presence planned to enforce the restriction.
  • UKIP denounced the decision as a violation of its right to peaceful assembly and said it is reorganising the protest for another London location.
  • Stand Up To Racism and local groups had mobilised a significant counter‑protest, while police said they remain open to proposals for an alternative venue.
  • Critics questioned the legality of a borough‑wide condition, with Lord Walney citing prior police advice, as Tower Hamlets’ mayor backed the move and announced a unity march.