Arrests for far-right protests and riots since 2019
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.045585
I note you seek access to the following information:
- The number of people arrested by the Met Police since 2019 for participating in far-right protests/riots/unrest and for what offence.
- How many of those arrested were charged and for what offence.
The data should include (but not be limited to) the following events:
- Feb 2019: Tommy Robinson pro-Brexit rally
- August 2019: Tommy Robinson support protest
- June 2020: Far right protesters targeting Black Lives Matter demonstrations
- Sept 2021: Anti-immigration protest in Croydon
- Sept 2022: Patriots for Britain protest
- November 2023: EDL members attack police and trespass on Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday
- London, April 2024: Violence at St George’s Day rally in London
- London, July 2024: Thousands gather for Tommy Robinson rally in central London
- August 2024: London Southport riots
- Feb 2025: Tommy Robinson support protest
I'm interested in data on protest activity involving groups such as the English Defence League, Southeast Alliance, National Front, National Action, Patriots for Britain, or any anti-immigrant, anti-refugee/asylum, anti-diversity type protest activity.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full. Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Please see below spreadsheet for information pursuant to your request.
However, it is to be read only in conjunction with the following data caveat.
Data Caveat
The MPS tracks cultural nationalism arrests but we do not use the term far right in categorising arrests. The MPS has been tracking such arrests since 2022.
The arrest data is not exact as cultural nationalists attend a number of events and may be part of counter-protests and therefore may appear as part of the arrest lists on different demonstrations. It would exceed 18 hours go through every protest they may have appeared on and include further data. It is noteworthy that the MPS does not always note the affiliation of every individual.
In relation to Black Lives Matter (BLM) on 13 June 2020 there was a total of 155 arrests. Some were cultural nationalists and some were BLM. It would exceed 18 hours to go through each line and distinguish which group each belongs to. These have not been included in the spreadsheet for that reason.
The MPS is required to provide information where collated, even if that information may not be wholly accurate as there is no exemption for inaccurate data. However, should you wish the further data referred to in the above caveat – this would have required the MPS to issue a refusal notice under Section 12(1).
MO6 Public Order command has checked their records and cannot find a Tommy Robinson demo from February 2019.