Certain areas of London have been identified in a list of proposed far-right protest sites that has been circulating on the internet. Members of Parliament representing the four boroughs have issued warnings to residents regarding the potential risks associated with the anticipated demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday night (August 7).
The list includes Harrow in North West London, Hounslow in West London, Finchley in North London, and Walthamstow in East London. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the list in collaboration with local councils and MPs to ascertain its authenticity and to formulate strategies to address any potential disturbances. A spokesperson for the Met Police stated that officers are “aware of the online reports and will assess them.” Stella Creasy, the MP for Walthamstow, expressed her condemnation of the far-right intentions on social media yesterday (August 5).
In an Instagram video, she remarked, “It is appalling to consider that anyone might believe the residents of Walthamstow would support such thuggery. I am aware of the strong sentiment within our community to convey that such conduct is unwelcome here, and that we take pride in our local diversity.”
“I’ve already been to visit the businesses in the building in question – they are obviously very distressed and concerned about what is happening. And I’m in touch with the police. Rest assured it is a top priority for me to be clear about what action is going to be taken to stop this behaviour.”
Ms Creasy went on to appeal that residents wait for further updates on the matter before taking any action to confirm what could be happening in the borough. She went to Lloyd Park at 4pm on Monday to meet locals to talk about the plans and “to show first hand and in person the kind of neighbours you really have.”
Police officers were injured on Monday night (August 5) during “sustained violence” as disorder continued for a seventh day after the Southport stabbings with more than 370 arrests made so far across the country. Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman took to X to slam the “disgusting” protests. She said: “A service helping immigrants in Finchley has been included in a list of targets of far-right groups planning actions this week. This is disgusting.
“I have been in touch with local community and faith groups as well as the police who have informed me of their policing plan. I urge residents of Finchley and Golders Green to remain calm and vigilant during this time. We will not let the far-right divide us. Our hope will conquer their hate. Those who perpetuate violence and hate will face the full force of the law.”
The Harrow Labour Party announced on social media platform X that the borough has been designated as a target for a demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, at 8 PM, organized by the far-right, Islamophobic group known as the English Defence League (EDL). Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas remarked, “The distressing and troubling images from the riots over the weekend will linger in the minds of many. I am in ongoing discussions with local community groups and have brought the [Tweet by Harrow Labour] to the attention of the police, the Mayor, the Home Office, and Harrow Council, and I will persist in these efforts.”
According to a statement from Harrow Council, as reported by the Standard: “We are aware of social media posts and WhatsApp messages circulating that suggest a protest is set to occur in Harrow on Wednesday. We are collaborating with the police to confirm whether a protest is indeed happening, and if so, we will prioritize the safety of Harrow’s communities in our response.” Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, the Leader of Hounslow Council, stated: “We are cognizant of social media posts and WhatsApp messages indicating that a protest is being organized in the borough this week. We are working with the police to verify this information. Should there be any validity to these claims, we will coordinate with the police and other partners to ensure the safety of our communities is prioritized.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan addressed the riots and the possibility of further unrest in the capital. He told the Standard: “In London, we stand united against hatred, and I am collaborating closely with partners to guarantee that all our communities are safe and feel secure. “Today, the Metropolitan Police and the London Resilience Unit have convened partners from across the capital, including emergency services, local authorities, and representatives from voluntary, community, and faith organizations, to ensure we are collectively working towards this goal during a time of heightened tensions.”
This is not protest, it is pure violence.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 5, 2024
We will have a standing army of public duty officers.
We will ramp up criminal justice.
We will apply criminal law online as well as offline.
We will not tolerate attacks on mosques or on Muslim communities. pic.twitter.com/C1SmjJjo4R