The Metropolitan Police have halted UKIP’s planned “Walk With Jesus” march in Whitechapel, east London, due to concerns over potential violent clashes. The Met described the event as “reckless” and imposed a ban for the second time in recent months.
Whitechapel, located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, is home to one of the largest Muslim communities in Britain and has become a focal point for community tensions.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman emphasised that the decision was based on public safety rather than political considerations. He stated, “We reasonably believe there would be a hostile local reaction to their presence, which many may see as provocative, leading to violence and disorder. We simply can’t allow that to happen.”
The march was promoted by UKIP as a Christian worship event celebrating “the month dedicated to the holy name of Jesus.” However, the Metropolitan Police warned that anyone defying the ban could face arrest.
Harman urged UKIP to cooperate with the police by choosing an alternative route or location for their march. “We’ve had limited cooperation from organisers so far,” he added. If UKIP agrees to these conditions, their march could proceed, similar to a rally held earlier in west London.
This recent ban follows the Met’s October prohibition of UKIP’s “Mass Deportations Tour” in Tower Hamlets, which was stopped over fears of “serious disorder.” That event triggered a large counter-protest involving hundreds of masked local Bangladeshi men chanting “Allahu Akbar” in a display of defiance.
UKIP leader Nigel Farage described the counter-protest as “one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen,” likening it to “a foreign invading army marching through our streets.” He criticised the police for “caving in to Islamists” and accused them of suppressing his party’s democratic rights.
Despite these criticisms, the Metropolitan Police maintain that their bans are grounded in safety concerns and aim to prevent violent confrontations in east London.
Originally published by UKNIP.
