Thousands march against antisemitism in London as Tommy Robinson arrested - latest
Crowds gathered to show solidarity with the Jewish community in the UK as more hostages released from Hamas captivity
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Tens of thousands of people attended a march against antisemitism in London on Sunday amid fears about rising antisemitic incidents sparked by the crisis in the Middle East.
The event was held the day after the latest in a series of pro-Palestinian protests in the capital called again for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson was among those attending and compared antisemitism with “an old spore of a virus”.
Tommy Robinson was arrested at the march after organisers had raised concerns and police warned the far-right was “not welcome”.
There was only one other arrest at the event, which was organised by the charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
It came as the Israeli military said that 14 Israelis and three foreign nationals had been released from captivity in Gaza, on the third day of a four-day truce.
The father of a young Irish-Israeli girl released by Hamas on Saturday has said she is doing “better than expected”, and has thanked the public for their support. Thomas Hand had feared his daughter Emily had been killed in the Hamas attacks but they were reunited at the weekend
People take part in march organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism
Many have gathered to take part in the march organised by volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Signs read ‘Jews belong’ and ‘United Kingdom against Antisemitism’.
EDL founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.
He was seen arguing with officers for around 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was was then taken away from the scene.
In pictures: Tommy Robinson escorted away by police
He was seen arguing with officers for ten minutes before being forcibly led away.
Tommy Robinson escorted away after arguing with officers for ten minutes
English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.
He was seen surrounded by several officers, before being taken away from the scene after arguing with police for around ten minutes.
Boris Johnson attends march
Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending the march against antisemitism in London.
The former Prime Minister joined celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder on Sunday afternoon.
Vanessa Feltz was also seen interviewing protestors.
Major march against antisemitism underway as EDL founder escorted away
A major march against antisemitism has begun in London, after English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was escorted away by police.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to march in London in the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
A temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding, with the release of a second group of hostages and Palestinians from Israeli prisons coming late on Saturday.
There had been fears in that Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
The Metropolitan Police had made clear in advance that he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
Mr Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.
On Sunday, he was seen arguing with officers for about 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was was then led away from the scene.
The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of reports of a man being escorted away from the march and subsequently arrested.
Chief Rabbi attends march
Chief Rabbi Mirvis is taking part in a march against antisemitism today.
The action is organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Tommy Robinson arrested at march against antisemitism
Tommy Robinson has been arrested at the London march, after he was seen being escorted away from the gathering on Sunday afternoon.
A Met office spokesperson said: “Officers working as part of the policing and security operation for the March Against Antisemitism have arrested a 40-year-old man on the Strand.
“We have been in frequent contact with the organisers of the march in recent days.
“They have been clear about their concerns that the man’s attendance, and that of those who were likely to accompany him, would cause fear for other participants. The same view has been voiced by others.
“As a result he was spoken to and warned on more than one occasion that his continued presence in the area was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others.
“He was directed to leave the area but refused to do so. We are aware that the man had suggested he was in the area as a journalist. This was not a relevant factor in his arrest.”
Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman attend
The Eastenders actress Tracey-Ann Oberman and famous television judge Robert Rinder have been seen in attendance at the march taking place in London today.
The march against antisemitism is expected to gather thousands and is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
In pictures: march underway as well-known figures attend
The march against antisemitism is underway in London with thousands expected to attend the demonstration.
Some well-known British figures are in attendance including Rachel Riley, Eddie Marsan, Maureen Lipman, Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman. Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat also took part.
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