Black Lives Matter protests have been cancelled this weekend after many alleged threats by “many hate groups.”
Organisers of the protests said they must postpone due to the safety of thousands who are planning to attend Hyde Park.
Tommy Robinson the former English Defence League (EDL) leader backed plans by far-right groups to hold counter protests over the weekend.
Black Lives Matter organisers in London said, “We want the protests to be a safe space for people to attend.
“However, we don’t think it will be possible with people like them present.”
However, on Saturday other protests led by Labour group Momentum, “Antifascists support Black Lives Matter” will still take place.
The Democratic Football Lads Alliance called (DFLA) have called on their supporters to protect key statues and monuments in London.
Black Lives Matter have published a list of 60 “racist statues” that they want to be removed, but DFLA leaders are urging their 35,000 plus supporters to “defend what our war heroes done for this country and their honour.”
A statement posted on the Official DFLA Facebook page says, “We have had hundreds of messages in the last few days of people wanting to join us in protecting our heritage.”
Adding, “The DFLA are asking all our members to meet in Whitehall on Saturday 13 June at midday to protect our war memorials.
“This is not a march nor is it a counter-protest against Black Lives Matter.
“We will be making sure the war memorials don’t get desecrated.
“Enough is enough. It’s time to defend what our war heroes done for this country and their honour.
“This is not a counter protest against Black Lives Matter this a protection mission.”
The Mayor of London said, “It is clear that the majority of the protesters have been peaceful. This moment must be a catalyst for systemic, lasting change to tackle the racism and inequalities that black people still face today, in this country and elsewhere.”
Khan added, “However, I’m extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading Covid-19, but could lead to disorder, vandalism and violence.
“Extreme far-right groups who advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests, which means that the risk of disorder is high.”
Metropolitan Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said, “We have got the perfect storm ahead of us this weekend, we have got planned protests and now Tommy Robinson and his agitators.”
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