By SCM REPORTER I 23 January 2026
POLICE have sensationally banned a UKIP protest from the streets of East London to prevent a “preventable” explosion of violence.
Scotland Yard chiefs moved today to block the party from gathering in Whitechapel next Saturday, January 31, warning that a “toxic” clash with rival groups was “highly likely.”
Under strict Public Order Act conditions, any UKIP supporter who sets foot in the borough of Tower Hamlets to protest faces immediate arrest.
‘Inevitable Clash’
It is the second time in four months the Met has pulled the plug on UKIP’s East End plans. A similar rally in October was also forced to move to Central London.
Met Operations boss Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman warned: “We reasonably believe… the coming together of the UKIP protest with opposing groups would be highly likely to lead to violence and serious disorder.
”It would be reckless to allow an event to go ahead when we understand there’s a risk of serious violence to members of the community and to our officers.”
He added that the move wasn’t about “politics” or “offence,” but simply keeping the peace. “We can’t just allow that to happen,” he said.
The ban comes as the capital braces for a weekend of chaos, with a “Central London Anti-Fascists” counter-protest also planned for Whitechapel.
Even though the UKIP rally is now barred, any anti-fascist protesters who do show up have been told they must stay on the pavement of Whitechapel Road to avoid blocking the local hospital.
Meanwhile, a massive National Palestine Coalition march has been forced to change its route to protect Jewish Londoners.
Organisers originally wanted to march past Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, but the Met warned this would cause massive distress to locals attending Saturday morning synagogue services.
In a last-minute U-turn, the march will now form up at Russell Square at 12:45pm before heading to Whitehall.
DAC Harman said: “We are confident this addresses concerns around disruption and avoids further negative impact on Jewish communities.”
STRICT RULES FOR SATURDAY JAN 31:
UKIP: Total ban on protesting anywhere in Tower Hamlets.
PALESTINE MARCH: Must stick to the Russell Square-Aldwych-Whitehall route. Rally must end by 5pm.
ANTI-FASCISTS: Restricted to specific pavements in Whitechapel.
