Thousands of police officers will be on duty in central London on Saturday as a protest organized by Tommy Robinson and a counter-protest are scheduled to take place. The event, organized by Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley Lennon), is expected to attract groups from across the UK linked to football disorder, according to the Metropolitan Police. The protest will start from the Victoria area at approximately 1pm and culminate in Parliament Square, where speeches and a film screening will occur.

Conditions have been set under the Public Order Act, requiring participants to follow a pre-agreed route and assemble in Parliament Square to prevent serious disruption or disorder. Robinson has publicly called for people to join the march, promising it will be “massive.”

A counter-protest organized by Stand Up To Racism is also set to take place in Whitehall starting from midday. This protest has similar restrictions, confining participants to the allocated area opposite Downing Street.

Over 2,000 police officers, including more than 400 from other forces, will manage these protests as well as the Champions League Final at Wembley and related fan events. The final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will start at 8pm at Wembley Stadium.

The UEFA Champions League Festival, occurring in five central London locations including Trafalgar Square, will continue until Sunday. T/Commander Louise Puddefoot confirmed that officers will ensure both protests proceed safely and will respond decisively to any criminal offenses or serious disruptions.

Additionally, a smaller protest is anticipated in central London by Youth Demand against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which could involve occupying roads and bridges. Limited promotion of a similar protest in the Finchley area has been noted online.

Conditions under the Public Order Act will restrict participants to a static demonstration in designated areas to mitigate fears and concerns among Jewish residents regarding the Gaza-related protest.