Newcastle, North East England (NOT London): ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ march abandoned after police told organisers they’d be too busy at Ed Sheeran concert

From the Mirror (who fund Hope not Hate) and the local newspaper the Chronicle

A ‘Free Tommy Robinson’ rally through the streets of Newcastle has been scrapped following police advice. 

A group called the Northeast Frontline Patriots had planned a march through Newcastle on Saturday to protest against his sentence while a counter-protest had been organised. The organisers however have since agreed to cancel the events due to police resources already being stretched by an Ed Sheeran concert and The Blaydon Race that same day.

Northumbria Police spokesperson confirmed “. . . Northumbria Police will always facilitate peaceful protests, and would of course have policed these events if they went ahead, we are pleased organisers have listened to our concerns. These concerns centred around an already-anticipated higher number of visitors than normal in the city centre due to existing long-standing events, including a large stadium concert and the Blaydon road race, and the challenges these present in terms of public safety.

“Having explained these fully to organisers, we are assured by them that their respective protests will now not go ahead on Saturday.”

The London event is going ahaead this afternoon.