Eleven 'far-right agitators' banned from UK ahead of rally, government says

Eleven 'far-right agitators' banned from UK ahead of rally, government says39 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleEmily AtkinsonBBC NewsReutersEleven foreign "far-right agitators" have been blocked from entering the country to attend a rally organised by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, the government has said. Thousands are expected to join the Unite the Kingdom event on Saturday, while an annual pro-Palestinian demonstration takes place in another part of London.Sir Keir Starmer said "we're in a fight for the soul of this country" ahead of the protest.The Metropolitan Police is anticipating one of its busiest days in recent years, and has drafted more than 4,000 officers over fears of clashes if the rival protests coincide.Met to send 4,000 officers to police rival protestsHome Office blocks anti-Islam influencer from entering UKIn a statement on Friday, Sir Keir said: "We're in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against."Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple. We will block those coming into the UK who seek to incite hatred and violence. "For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law".The BBC has also approached Unite the Kingdom for comment.In a post on X on Friday, Robinson - whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - wrote: "Keir Starmer's regime are the enemy of the British people. Descend on London."Among the 11 blocked from entering the UK is the US-based, anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, who attended the first Unite the Kingdom march last September.While that rally began largely peacefully, there were a series of violent confrontations with police and anti-Muslim hate speech incidents.Protesters are due to gather at Parliament Square on Saturday, while th...