Former GB News host Laurence Fox has pulled out of a protest organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in central London.
Riot police have arrived in Westminster ahead of the demonstration, which Robinson is missing after he was charged with a terror offence on Friday.
But more than 1,000 of the English Defence League founder’s supporters have gathered at Victoria Station before marching to the southern end of Whitehall around 12.30pm.
Many are holding signs saying ‘enough is enough’ and ‘immigrants are not welcome, stop rewarding, start deporting, defend our borders’.
There are chants of ‘free Tommy Robinson’ from attendees, one of whom told Metro: ‘This is all about freedom. The country is corrupt.’
Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, called for ‘peace and solidarity’ at what he described as a celebration of British culture.
A post from his X account last night said: ‘We do not care if you are black, brown, white or green, what we care about are shared values, our culture, and the direction of our nation.’
But Fox, who called Robinson a ‘political prisoner’, as bailed on the protest over concerns it may not stay peaceful.
In a post on X, the former actor said: ‘Having been involved in the planning and funding of the previous marches and having some understanding of the huge efforts required to make these events pass peacefully, I am concerned that the current climate makes our task even more onerous.
‘I’m not sufficiently reassured that the preparations which have been put in place to ensure the first marches passed so peacefully is sufficiently robust to make sure this one does the same. I am sincerely looking forward to being proved wrong.’
Counter-protesters will gather at the other end of Whitehall after a march from Regent Street, organised by Stand Up To Racism, which described it as a ‘massive anti-fascist demonstration’.
Both demonstrations are supposed to remain static, but police are on site in case tensions bubble over.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams said: ‘We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.
‘Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest.
‘We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.
‘We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen.
‘We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart.
‘Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.
‘The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them.
‘Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events.
‘We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.’
Robinson handed himself in at Folkestone Police Station at 3pm on Friday, October 25.
Kent Police said he was charged with failing to provide the Pin to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act.
This charge is in relation to an incident in Folkestone on July 28 after officers stopped him under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Robinson was arrested after being accused of ‘frustration’ of police counter-terrorism powers.
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