UK blocks 11 foreign far-right agitators ahead of London rally and rival protest

The UK government has blocked 11 foreign far-right agitators from entering the country ahead of a rally organised by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson in London.

Thousands are expected to attend the Unite the Kingdom event on Saturday, while a separate pro-Palestinian demonstration is also due to take place in the city.

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The government said those refused entry were foreign agitators.

Among them is US-based anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, who attended the first Unite the Kingdom march last September.

Sir Keir Starmer said the organisers were "peddling hatred and division" and warned that anyone seeking to "wreak havoc" or intimidate others would face the full force of the law.

The Metropolitan Police said it was preparing for one of its busiest days in recent years.

More than 4,000 officers have been drafted in because of fears that the rival protests could coincide and lead to clashes.

The force said it would use the "highest degree of control", including the first authorisation of live facial recognition cameras at a demonstration.

Other measures include drones to identify suspects, armoured vehicles on standby and all officers equipped with riot gear.

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