Planned Demonstration – Saturday 13 September

We would like to advise you of a large-scale demonstration expected to impact London Bridge, Blackfriars, Bankside and surrounding areas this Saturday, 13 September.

A ‘Free Speech Festival’ march, coordinated by groups associated with far-right figure Tommy Robinson, is expected to draw several thousand attendees and may cause significant disruption in the area throughout the day.

Whilst the march is not expected to pass directly through Bankside, significant footfall is anticipated around Blackfriars, London Bridge and Southwark stations, as attendees are likely to use these routes. Current intelligence suggests attendees will convene at Stamford Street for midday, with the march due to start at 1pm, taking a route along York Road, across Westminster Bridge to Whitehall.

We encourage you to consider any steps that may help minimise disruption to your staff, customers, or operations. Please also be mindful that demonstrations of this nature can be particularly distressing for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and other targeted communities.

If you have any particular concerns or questions relating to operations of your business, please do get in touch via email info@betterbankside.co.uk.

We continue to liaise closely with the Metropolitan Police regarding the potential impacts on businesses, residents, employees, and visitors. The Met have confirmed that a robust policing plan will be in operation on Saturday, with a strong presence at transport hubs, on the main route and side streets.

Please note, details are subject to change. We will share additional updates as additional information comes in from the Metropolitan Police. Please see Met Police official press release here Met prepares for busy Saturday of protest and other events | Metropolitan Police.

Reporting

Please call:

• 999 – for urgent matters
• 101 – for non-urgent matters
• Bankside Wardens Team Mobile 07725 625954
• Southwark Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) hotline 020 7525 5777