Concerns Raised About Pro-Trump Rally at Nine Elms
Counter-protests expected near US Embassy at event supporting US president
The 'Trump Baby' blimp which is expect to fly during the visit. Picture: @trumpbabyuk
With a number of anti-Trump events being held across London this week to mark the visit of the US President to the UK, Wandsworth will be hosting what is believed to be the only pro-Trump demonstration.
The event, which will hear speeches by a number of prominent Trump supporters, is being held close to the US Embassy in Nine Elms between the Embassy building and the river. It is taking place on Saturday 14 July between 10am and 2pm. Attendees are expected to join a rally in central London in support of freeing English Defence League activist Tommy Robinson.
Several thousand people are expected to attend and there are expected to be counter protests swelling the number of people in the area. As the likely size of the demonstration is not known police are unable to predict the exact impact in the area but it may require some local roads to be closed.
The previous evening an anti-Trump protest will take place at Whitehall with tens of thousands of people expected to attend.
Wandsworth Council Community safety team issued a statement about the event on Saturday which said, “The protest will feature speeches from several notable pro-Trump speakers before moving off to join up with a Free Tommy Robinson demonstration currently scheduled to take place on Whitehall on Saturday afternoon.
“The timing of the pro-Trump rally will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Several thousand people are expected to attend. Counter-protests are expected.
“It is hoped that the police will not have to close Nine Elms Lane, although this remains a possibility if the crowd gets too large. You should feel able to travel freely near the embassy but it may be worth you monitoring the Metropolitan Police’s Twitter account prior to setting off, in case any road closures do occur.”
The new US Embassy in Nine Elms
Donald Trump is arriving in London on Thursday 12 July but will not being staying at the Embassy which he has publicly criticised as being ‘lousy’. He is believed to be spending the night at the US ambassador’s residence near Regent’s Park. A demonstration is being organised in the area that evening.
The protest on Friday will assemble near the BBC building at Portland Place at 2pm and make its way to a rally at Trafalgar Square from 5pm – 7pm.
Controversially the go ahead has been given for a ‘Trump Baby‘ blimp to be flown in the area around parliament.
July 10, 2018