As police prepare for over 100 far-right gatherings and 30 counter-protests tonight, MPs have been advised to think about working from home.

Because of concerns that staff and patients might become entangled in the turmoil, GP surgeries are shutting early and City employees have been instructed to leave the office.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has written to all Members of Parliament advising them not to report to work if they think that protesters may target them.

All MPs received the advise from Sir Lindsay on Tuesday; nevertheless, each person is free to choose the best course of action for themselves. The Independent was the first to report on this.

It comes as police sources said forces were braced for a “very busy night” of activity, with almost 4,000 riot officers deployed across the country and a further 2,000 on standby.