Thousands of supporters of British anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson demonstrated in central London on Saturday, chanting anti-Muslim slogans, The Independent reported. (X/@metpoliceuk)

ARAB NEWS

June 01, 2024

• People chant ‘we want our country back,’ hold banner reading ‘this is London, not Londonistan’
• 9 pro-Palestine activists, holding stationary counter-protest, arrested for leaving pavement

LONDON: Thousands of supporters of British anti-Islam campaigner Tommy Robinson demonstrated in central London on Saturday, chanting anti-Muslim slogans, The Independent reported.

English actor and broadcaster Laurence Fox and Robinson, one of the UK’s most prominent far-right activists, were spotted leading the protest as crowds behind them chanted: “We want our country back.” Protesters carried a banner that read: “This is London, not Londonistan.”

Robinson said on stage: “This is what London should look like … We’re not going to be silenced any longer.” He thanked the Metropolitan Police for “staying out of our way.”

The Independent reported that nine pro-Palestinian activists from Youth Demand, holding a stationary counter-protest nearby, were arrested.

A Scotland Yard spokesperson posted on X: “Nine Youth Demand protesters were arrested for breaching Public Order Act conditions not to leave the pavement.”

Nick Lowles, CEO of Hope Not Hate, a UK-based advocacy group that campaigns against racism, said ahead of the demonstration: “We have unearthed shocking messages from hooligan chat groups where people are threatening to attack people of color, pro-Palestine demonstrators and even the police.”

Commander Louise Puddefoot said: “For some in London, in particular our Muslim communities, comments made by those associated with this event will … cause fear and uncertainty.

“All Londoners have a right to feel and be safe in their city, and we will take a zero tolerance approach to any racially or religiously motivated hate crime we become aware of.”

source https://www.arabnews.com/node/2521571/world