Thousands turn out for pro, anti-Brexit marches in UK

London, December 9 

Thousands of protestors marched through London in support of Brexit on Sunday amid tight security measures in place by Scotland Yard.

The pro-Brexit march through London, dubbed the “Brexit Betrayal” march, was met by a counter-protest at the same time but taking different routes.

The Metropolitan Police had earlier urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful but indicated it is taking no chances against the backdrop of some violent clashes during the “Yellow Vests” street protests in the neighbouring French city of Paris over the weekend.

“The right to protest is a fundamental right in our democratic society, but this right must be balanced against the right of people to go about their day without fear of violence, disorder or disruption,” said Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor.

The Met Police has said it would keep the two rival sides apart by issuing two separate routes for them to follow though the West End. The conditions have been imposed under Section 12 and 14 of the UK’s Public Order Act, 1986.

Far-right group English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson has joined the pro-Brexit march called by the anti-Europe UK Independence Party (UKIP), with the counter-protesters including groups like Unite Against Fascism and grassroots group Momentum rallying together against the “far-right extremists”.

Meanwhile, a rally is also taking place in London organised by pro-EU group Best for Britain and the People’s Vote campaign for another referendum to revisit the June 2016 vote. — PTI