Protests Disrupted in London as Police Enforce Restrictions

Protests in London faced significant disruptions as police enforced restrictions on gatherings planned by the UK Independence Party (Ukip) and counter-protesters. Originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon near Whitechapel Station, Ukip supporters were redirected to gather outside the London Oratory in Kensington at 13:00 before marching towards Marble Arch. The Metropolitan Police implemented conditions under the Public Order Act, preventing the protest from occurring anywhere in the borough of Tower Hamlets.

The demonstration, which has been described as part of a “mass deportations tour,” aims to draw attention to issues surrounding immigration. Organizers have called on attendees to “reclaim Whitechapel from the Islamists,” a statement made on Ukip’s social media platforms. In response, a counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and other local groups is set to take place in east London at 12:00, despite restrictions imposed by police limiting their assembly in central London.

The Metropolitan Police announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, that additional restrictions were necessary to “prevent serious disorder” and “serious disruption.” Commander Nick John, responsible for public order policing in London, stated that the police’s role is to ensure protests occur peacefully without causing excessive disruption to local residents and businesses. He emphasized that the decision to relocate the Ukip protest was made to address the potential for disorder, particularly when opposing groups gather in close proximity.

“We intervened earlier this week to use our powers under the Public Order Act to prevent a protest taking place in Whitechapel due to the prospect of serious disorder,” Commander John explained. He clarified that this action was not a ban but a requirement for the protest to take place in a different location if it were to proceed.

Public Order Act conditions also restrict the Ukip march from taking place before 13:00 or after 16:30. The police have urged individuals planning to attend either protest to familiarize themselves with the imposed conditions, warning that breaching them could lead to arrests.

As tensions rise in London, the police remain vigilant in managing the situation, aiming to balance the rights to free expression and assembly with the need to maintain public order.