Protest Impact – Saturday 17th September

Author: City of London Police

Published: 

The National [Nationwide] Rally for Freedom’ is scheduled to take place from 1300hrs, on the Saturday 17th September 2022 with protesters anticipated to meet at the Bank of England/Royal Exchange. Four protests are taking place across the UK in Glasgow, Leeds, Edinburgh and London. This protest is linked to the Anti-Vax Movement. This protest is being supported by Stand-Up X and Pires Corbyn. Both Social media sites are advertising this protest. Speeches will take place on/around the steps of the Royal Exchange

Once the speeches are finished the group will then march. The Route is yet to be confirmed but is suspected to be Royal Exchange to the Monument – Most likely King William Street Along:

Eastcheap South over Tower Bridge

Tooley Street

Southwark Street

Blackfriars Bridge

Fleet Street

and Strand Ending up in Holborn/Russell Square.

To offer some reassurance; there is a City of London policing plan in place on the day and you can imagine there will be heavy Police presence throughout the city following Her Majesty’s death

You will recall that during earlier campaigns, we shared some generic advice as below – hopefully, it will serve as a timely reminder:

Your people

  • In the days leading up to the event, ensure all employees are fully briefed
  • Your premises should have a strong, visible management presence who should identify themselves to the police in the event of any trespassing or damage
  • Security officers, where possible, should be highly visible
  • All staff should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security and/or the police
  • Ensure all members of staff are fully aware of any emergency and evacuation procedures

Your premises

  • Minimise the number of entry points to your premises
  • Ensure the outside areas are clear of debris, dustbins, ladders, tools, or equipment
  • Check that your emergency equipment, grab bags, first aid supplies, and walkie-talkies are in place, easy to get to, and working properly. It is advisable to test them beforehand
  • Check and test building security and emergency systems
  • Ensure CCTV coverage is fully operational and can provide the highest recording resolution possible
  • If your building has scaffolding erected or is in close proximity to scaffolding, let your security staff know
  • Report any suspicious activity to police by dialling 999 in an emergency or call 101 if not an emergency

Should there be a protest impacting upon your footprint, please consider the following from the outset.

  • The effect or impact protest(s) are having on your business or organisation.
    (Considerations – footfall, loss of business, …)
  • The affect or impact on your staff, customers, and/or other stakeholders.
    (Considerations – work/life balance, staff travel, reliance on transport links, delivery issues)
  • The estimated cost, either financially or otherwise of this impact.
    (Considerations –financial cost compared to typical business day, environmental e.g., refuse collection, traffic congestion, …)

Please remind staff to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity by dialling 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency)

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If you wish to share information/intelligence relating to protests, please email: protests@cityoflondon.police.uk (0900hrs – 1700hrs)

If you wish to contact your local Policing team, please email: dedicatedwardofficers@cityoflondon.pnn.police.uk (0900hrs – 1700hrs)