Thousands march against antisemitism in London

Thousands march against antisemitism in London

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Tracey-Ann Oberman, Eddie Marsan, Rachel Riley and Maureen Lipman were seen at the march

Thousands of people have joined a march in central London in a demonstration against antisemitism.

At the start of the march, police escorted away English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson - organisers had made clear he was not welcome.

Organisers estimated 60,000 people had joined the event, the first of its kind since the Israel-Gaza war broke out.

The rally comes after pro-Palestinian demonstrators again marched on Saturday calling for a permanent ceasefire.

The government and police have stressed the need for the Jewish community to feel safe amid concern about rising tensions following the war in Gaza.

The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism, which organised the event, said it was a "sad truth that Jews do not feel safe in our capital city".

Former prime minister Boris Johnson attended with his family, as well as TV personality Robert Rinder, actor Tracy-Ann Oberman and Countdown host Rachel Riley.

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Tommy Robinson was led away by police officers - organisers had made clear he was not welcome

People of all different ages attended the rally which began at the Royal Courts of Justice - waving placards and flags. One reads 'zero tolerance for antisemites. Shoulder to shoulder with British Jews'.

There had been concern that Mr Robinson might disrupt the protest and the Metropolitan Police had said the organisers had made it clear in advance that he was "not welcome" at the march.

The founder of the far-right English Defence League had previously been among counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.

The Met Police later confirmed a 40-year-old man had been arrested close to the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the march had begun.

The march is happening as a further exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners is expected on the third day of a fragile truce in Gaza.

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Security minister Tom Tugendhat (pictured) joined demonstrators, as did immigration minister Robert Jenrick