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Published 11:12 16 May 2026 BST
Updated 11:16 16 May 2026 BST
Around 4,000 police officers are expected to be in central London today as tens of thousands of protestors descend on the capital.
Far-right figure Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom march is set to take place, as is the pro-Palestine Nabka 78 protest.
Police say live facial recognition technology will be in place for the first time ever, and that they will use new powers targeting hate speech to maintain public order.
“The right to protest is a cornerstone of our democracy. But anyone spreading hate or committing acts of violence will face the full force of the law," Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said.
The £4.5million security operation is also covering the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, which is also taking place in the capital today.
Robinson's protest will begin at Kingsway and make its way to Parliament Square, whereas the Nabka and anti-far-right march will start at in South Kensington and head to Pall Mall.
There are a number of road closures in place, with Transport for London warning: “From 09:00 until 19:00, a march will take place across central London, starting at Russell Square and finishing at Parliament Square via Southampton Row, Kingsway, Aldwych, Strand, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
“Extensive road closures and bus diversions will be in place along the march route, with large crowds expected.”
For the Nabka 78 march, TfL's advice says: “From 11:00 until 19:00, a march will take place across central London, starting at Exhibition Road and finishing at Pall Mall via Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly and St James Street.
“Extensive road closures and bus diversions will be in place along the march route, with large crowds expected.”
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