Georgia Gould MP has welcomed Metropolitan Police restrictions on a UKIP-organised march following concerns about the safety of residents and businesses around Church Street and Edgware Road.
The Met has imposed conditions under the Public Order Act on the “Unite the People” march and “No to Sharia Law” rally taking place in central London on Saturday 29 August.
Police said the measures were necessary to prevent serious disorder and serious disruption to communities.
Gould, the Labour MP for Queen’s Park and Maida Vale, said:
“Really pleased the Met Police have listened to the extent of concern from our local community and imposed conditions on this far-right march.
“Businesses and local residents in Church Street and around Edgware Road have been subject to increasing far-right targeting online over recent days and they deserve to go about their lives safely and free from intimidation in their community.
“I will continue to stand up for our strong, diverse community that embodies British values of mutual respect and neighbourliness.”
Under the restrictions, participants must assemble within a designated area at Hyde Park Corner and cannot gather before 11.30am.
The march must follow the route set out by police before participants assemble for the rally within a designated area at Richmond Terrace.
The rally must end by 4.30pm.
The Met warned that anybody who knowingly breaches the conditions will be committing a criminal offence.
Officers will police the march and rally to ensure that they proceed safely and peacefully.
The restrictions follow growing concern among residents about online material focused on Church Street, an area known for its diverse community, historic market and independent businesses.
Gould has repeatedly defended the neighbourhood and the contribution made by people from different backgrounds to Westminster and the wider country.
Her intervention comes shortly after she accused Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp of using Church Street to spread division during a visit to the area.
Philp highlighted the number of social-housing residents born outside the UK, without acknowledging that many have subsequently become British citizens or spent decades working and contributing to the country.
Gould said political disagreements about immigration, housing and other issues must be debated without making entire communities targets for hostility or intimidation.
Residents have also highlighted the work of local school staff, NHS workers, volunteers, traders and community organisations that support families and vulnerable people across the neighbourhood.
The Met’s decision seeks to balance the legal right to peaceful protest with its responsibility to protect the public, prevent serious disorder and minimise disruption.
Conditions imposed under the Public Order Act allow police to regulate the location, route and duration of demonstrations when there is a serious risk to public safety or community life.
Gould’s response makes clear that people should be able to operate their businesses, visit local shops and go about their everyday lives without fear.
Peaceful protest is an important democratic right, but it must never become a licence to intimidate residents or inflame hostility against communities.
Labour representatives will continue working with the police, Westminster Council, local organisations and businesses to protect residents and ensure that Saturday’s events pass without serious incident.
