UK Bars 11 Foreign Far-Right Figures Before London Rally
The UK government has barred 11 foreign far-right figures from entering the country ahead of rival demonstrations expected to draw tens of thousands of protesters across central London this weekend, prompting one of the capital’s largest recent security operations .
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain was facing a “fight for the soul of the country” amid growing tensions surrounding immigration, antisemitism and the Gaza conflict. Among those banned is US-based activist Valentina Gomez , accused of using inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric. British media reports said Dutch commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek and Polish MP Dominik Tarczyński were also prevented from travelling to the UK.
The anti-immigration “Unite the Kingdom” rally , linked to far-right activist Tommy Robinson , is scheduled to gather at Parliament Square on Saturday. A separate pro-Palestine Nakba Day march backed by anti-racism groups will assemble nearby at Waterloo Place.
Police estimates suggest the far-right rally could attract nearly 50,000 participants , while the pro-Palestine demonstration may draw between 15,000 and 40,000 people . The protests coincide with the FA Cup final in London, significantly increasing pressure on transport networks and security agencies.
The Metropolitan Police said more than 4,000 officers would be deployed alongside drones, helicopters, mounted units and live facial-recognition technology in what officials described as an “unprecedented” policing operation .
Authorities warned they would take action against antisemitic, anti-Muslim and violent rhetoric , including chants such as “globalise the intifada” , which police say may carry antisemitic connotations.
The heightened alert follows recent antisemitic incidents in Golders Green , after which Britain raised its terror threat level to “severe” . Meanwhile, the Crown Prosecution Service has issued updated legal guidance on prosecuting inflammatory chants, banners and placards used during demonstrations.