The Metropolitan Police said around 4,000 officers, supported by mounted units, drones, helicopters and police dogs, would be deployed to manage the demonstrations alongside security demands posed by the FA Cup final.

Authorities imposed strict conditions on the timing and routes of both marches in an effort to prevent clashes between rival groups. Police estimated the operation would cost approximately £4.5 million ($6 million) and warned they would adopt what they described as a “zero-tolerance approach” to disorder and hate speech violations.

For the first time, organizers of the demonstrations could face legal accountability if invited speakers breach Britain’s hate speech laws, the force said.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Friday that anyone attempting to “wreak havoc” or intimidate communities would face “the full force of the law.”

Speaking after visiting the Metropolitan Police operational control center, Starmer accused organizers of the far-right rally of “peddling hatred and division.”Starmer’s comments came days after his ruling Labour Party suffered setbacks in local elections, where hard-right Reform UK and nationalist parties made gains, intensifying pressure on his leadership.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has become one of Britain’s most prominent anti-Islam activists, drawing large crowds through online campaigns focused on immigration, free speech and national identity issues.

Police estimate roughly 50,000 supporters could attend Robinson’s rally, while about 30,000 people are expected at the rival march organized by anti-racism campaigners and pro-Palestinian groups marking Nakba Day, which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948.

The anti-fascist group Stand Up to Racism merged its demonstration with the Nakba Day protest.Robinson urged supporters on social media to remain peaceful, avoid masks and limit alcohol consumption, while describing the gathering as a campaign to “Unite The Kingdom and the West.

”The Metropolitan Police said live facial recognition technology would be used for the first time during a protest operation in London. Officials also confirmed that 11 foreign far-right activists had been barred from entering Britain ahead of the rally.

Among those blocked was Valentina Gomez, whom the government described as using inflammatory rhetoric targeting Muslim communities.

Matthew Feldman, a specialist in far-right extremism at Liverpool Hope University, said some violent elements were likely to attend despite appeals for calm.