The Metropolitan Police have banned a UKIP march through Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, on January 31st, citing concerns over potential “serious disorder”. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated that the rally, dubbed “Walk with Jesus” by UKIP, was likely to provoke a hostile reaction from local residents and lead to clashes with opposing groups.
Harman explained that the police could not simply allow the situation to unfold, as it would result in officers having to physically stand between the groups, risking injury to both protesters and the public. Instead, the police have invoked powers under the Public Order Act to proactively impose conditions on the protest, preventing UKIP from gathering in the area.
The right-wing party has criticised the decision, with a post on their official social media account claiming that “