London Deploys 1,600 Police Amid Rival Far-Right, Anti-Racism Protests

London is on high alert as rival protests are set to take place, with a far-right, anti-immigrant march organized by Tommy Robinson expected to meet near Waterloo Bridge before proceeding to Whitehall, where a counter-demonstration by the anti-racism group Stand Up To Racism will occur. The Metropolitan Police will deploy over 1,600 officers, including 500 from other forces, and install barriers to prevent clashes, with about 1,000 officers directly assigned to the marches. The far-right march will also mourn American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was recently killed. These protests occur amid rising political tensions over immigration, which has overtaken the economy as Britain's most pressing issue, with over 28,000 migrants arriving by small boats this year. In response to public pressure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently appointed Shabana Mahmood as the new interior minister. The protests are expected to cause significant disruption in central London, with busy transport routes and public spaces impacted.