A £4.5 million policing operation saw more than 4,000 officers deployed across central London to prevent clashes between rival protests. A march organised by far right activist Tommy Robinson took place on the same day as an annual pro Palestine demonstration marking the Nakba, creating significant security challenges near major landmarks including Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Police established a large sterile buffer zone, using metal barriers, road closures and officers drafted in from forces across England and Wales. The rival groups were given separate routes through the capital, while additional pressures were created by the Football Association Cup Final at Wembley. Despite concerns based on previous unrest, there were no serious clashes between protesters.

Live facial recognition cameras were used for the first time at major railway stations to monitor arrivals linked to the Unite the Kingdom rally. By early evening, 43 arrests had been made across both protests, with further arrests connected to the football match. Senior officers described the operation as one of the most significant public order efforts in London in recent decades, aimed at upholding freedom of speech while preventing violence.