Some 6,000 riot officers across Britain stand ready to intervene on a string of “Enough is Enough” events, with police monitoring reports of at least 30 possible gatherings.
There is a heavy police presence in parts of the capital today too, with Londoners understandably anxious. It comes as Harrow, Hounslow, Finchley and Walthamstow are braced for demonstrators — who more often than not have proven to be rioters — said to be targeting the areas. To that end, there will be extra police officers in North Finchley today, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
The Met has vowed to use “every power, tactic and tool” to protect London amid fears that far-Right thugs plan to sow chaos and disorder. Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine said: “They’ve made their intention to cause disruption and division very clear. We will use every power, tactic and tool available to prevent further scenes of disorder.”
Anyone involved in violence and intimidation should know that they will receive swift and severe punishment. London is a city built on diversity. Where difference is not simply tolerated, but celebrated. Anyone who comes here to spread division, racism and hate is not welcome.
Walz’s spring in the step
He is everyone’s “Midwestern Dad” capable of throwing the odd zinger at the other side — the reaction to Kamala Harris’s decision to pick Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate has thus far proved a positive one.
Walz is not well-known outside of his home state, but even before his selection he had impacted the race, after labelling Donald Trump and JD Vance “weird”. A seemingly innocuous observation over their hardline views on social and cultural issues, it struck a chord with many ordinary Americans. Soon, other Democrats were deploying the word.
The appointment comes as one poll suggests that Harris now has a three-point lead in the polls over Trump. There are still nearly three months until election day. And what matters is results in the crucial swing states which determine the electoral college. But it is clear that the Democrats are acting how parties ought to, seeking to unify and reach out to persuadable voters. Much of the world watches on, quietly hoping it will work.
Gold hope
Tonight is the turn of Team GB’s Matt Hudson-Smith to light up Paris in the men’s 400m final. Hudson-Smith cruised through his semi-final on Tuesday, and must be considered a strong contender to avenge previous disappointments and win gold.
You can follow all the action on our live blog, at standard.co.uk/sport.
