Whitechapel Roars: Thousands Defend Anti-Racist Legacy

A significant counter-protest gathered in Whitechapel today, Saturday, October 25, after the Metropolitan Police used Public Order Act conditions to ban a planned demonstration by the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and its affiliates from the entire borough of Tower Hamlets due to a "realistic prospect of serious disorder."

Initial estimates suggest that a crowd nearing thousands of local residents, including large numbers of the British Bangladeshi and British Muslim communities, joined the counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) and other local groups. The turnout underscores the depth of community unity and opposition to the far-right presence in the area, which has one of the largest percentages of Muslim residents in the UK.

The news script is written in 1.23 PM Saturday still no news about any arrears or incidents, the protest is peaceful, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The police intervention successfully prevented opposing groups from gathering in close proximity in the densely populated residential area. The Metropolitan Police had previously restricted UKIP's planned protest—part of a "mass deportations tour" that called on attendees to "reclaim Whitechapel from the Islamists"—from taking place in the borough. UKIP supporters instead gathered outside the London Oratory in Kensington.

Peaceful Assembly Amidst High Alert

As of the latest reports, the counter-protest in Whitechapel remains peaceful, though tensions were palpable. Commander Nick John, who is overseeing the public order policing, had previously warned that a "sizeable police presence" would be in the area to enforce the conditions and maintain public safety. There have been no confirmed reports of major collisions or arrests directly linked to the counter-protest in Tower Hamlets violating the imposed restrictions. Police had earlier made clear that any attempt to breach the conditions, which also restricted the UKIP event's location and timing (1 pm to 4:30 pm), would lead to arrests.

However, many have criticised the organisation of prayers in the street, blocking the road while wearing black hoodies and masks, despite the nearby East London Mosque having a capacity to accommodate 7,000 worshippers. Many in the community have raised questions as to whether this is sending the wrong message.

The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, previously praised the police's decision to ban the UKIP event, stating it "would have caused significant disruption and intimidation in our local community, and spread fear and prejudice." Today's massive local response highlights the East End's long-standing tradition of anti-fascist resistance.