The UK government has banned the entry of 11 foreign individuals described as “far-right agitators” ahead of a major rally in London organized by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, as authorities prepare for one of the most security-sensitive weekends in recent years.Thousands of people are set to gather in central London for a “Unite the Kingdom” rally on Saturday, according to the BBC, while a separate pro-Palestinian march is taking place in another part of the city.The demonstrations, which coincide with the FA Cup final at Wembley, are expected to strain policing amid concerns over crowd control and potential flashpoints.

The government says the ban is aimed at preventing hatred and violence

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government would not allow into the country individuals who “seek to incite hatred and violence”.He warned: “We are in a fight for the soul of this country… We will stop people who want to incite hatred and violence from coming to Britain.”Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also defended the decision, saying that those banned were deemed “not conducive to the public good”. Their Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) was withdrawn, preventing visa-free entry until 2026 under rules previously introduced.The government said the crackdown was intended to prevent foreign speakers who could potentially add tension to the protests.

Massive security operation in London

The Metropolitan Police said it was expected to be one of the busiest days in years, with more than 4,000 officers deployed.Key measures include:

Authorities warned that intelligence indicated a “threat to public safety” linked to the far-right rally.Additionally, pro-Palestine Nakba Day marches are also planned elsewhere in central London, raising concerns about potential flashpoints.

Tommy Robinson’s role and previous comments

The rally has been organized by Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), a far-right activist with multiple criminal convictions and a long record of anti-Islam and anti-immigration campaigning.Robinson has repeatedly claimed that mass immigration threatens British identity and has made British communities “vulnerable” to immigrants. They have also been linked to previous protests where anti-Muslim rhetoric and violent clashes with police were reported.Before the rally, Robinson accused the government of being “the enemy of the British people” and urged supporters to “descend on London”.

Foreign speakers refused entry

Those sanctioned include several international far-right influencers and politicians, including those from the US and Europe. Some were scheduled to speak at the rally.The government cited concerns that their presence could contribute to unrest or incite hatred.One of those affected was US-based commentator Valentina Gomez, who had previously spoken at earlier editions of the rally and made controversial anti-Muslim comments online and at public events.

Concerns over hate speech and policing powers

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has issued updated guidance urging prosecutors to consider whether protest chants, banners or social media content could amount to hate crime offences.Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said the approach was not about restricting free speech but about “preventing hate crime and protecting the public”.The police have also warned the organizers that they may face liability if the speakers at the rally violate legal limits.