STORY
The Government has said that eleven foreign far-right figures have been blocked from entering the UK ahead of the Unite the Kingdom march in London. Ministers said the exclusions were made to protect public order and prevent individuals from using the event to promote extremist views.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said those who sought to spread hatred or violence would face the full force of the law. The Government has described the weekend as one of the busiest for policing in recent years, with thousands expected to gather in the capital and counter-protests also anticipated.
The decision places public order and extremism policy back at the centre of national politics. It also highlights the balance ministers must strike between protecting freedom of expression, maintaining public safety and preventing foreign activists from using UK events to amplify extremist messages.