By: May Rostom
Chaos has been unleashed around Westminster Abbey for a whole month, posing a threat to the royal wedding. Only a month ago, 400,000 people marched against spending cuts, where havoc and disorder spread, when masked militants broke into shops and banks in London’s most famous shopping streets.
A group of people linked with UK Uncut (the protest group that organized last month’s Trade Union Congress march) have planned to protest against the Royal Wedding, creating a tabloid worthy movement under the slogan “Reclaim the Royal Wedding”. Experts claim that the anarchists will be disguised and scattered amongst well wishers, shouting anti-royal slurs, holding anarchist street parties, and obviously creating chaos that would stretch police resources to the maximum making them either cancel or move the wedding someplace else.
In a carefully worded message on Facebook, “Reclaim the Royal Wedding’s” organizers said: "We cannot BE SEEN to condone any individuals or groups who do protest outside Westminster Abbey because protesting in the designated area is unlawful.
"Nor can we BE SEEN to condone the use of extremely effective megaphones (which are disallowed), beautifully painted placards, remarkable banners or other interesting devices of protest outside the Abbey or elsewhere on the route.
"Also, we cannot BE SEEN to condone any other actions individuals or groups might choose to undertake that would disrupt this occasion and draw attention to other issues – such as the crippling cuts to public services.
"Evidently, if they did occur, these sorts of actions, interruptions, disruptions and images would be extremely embarrassing for the Government and would generate massive worldwide media attention, especially outside Westminster Abbey. "It would be a remarkable spectacle!"
Also Read: Thanks for the day off! Or not?
Also Read: Make a Royal Mint
Also Read: The stress of The Dress!
Also Read: Weighty Katie No More
Also Read: World wide wedding
In an open invitation the statement adds: "However, if you would like to meet up before heading off to watch the wedding, we will be casually meeting at Trafalgar Square - around Nelson's column - between 9.30 and 10.30 am."
According to the Telegraph.co.uk, John Shepherd, Susan Petal and Ingrid Muller are three of the activists behind the protest, which they say will attract hundreds of groups and individuals.
1,500 people seem to be attending the peaceful protest, in a variety of trade unionists, environmentalists, social activists, and civilians. Another group of anarchists called “Better Dead Than Wed” have announced the route the Royal Couple will be taking from and to Westminster Abbey with an illustration of hangman nooses round both the necks of William and Kate under the horrifying slogan “Time to tie the knot”. A group of gays and lesbians called “Queer Resistance” will be staging a flash mob as their way of protesting against cuts on HIV care and anti-homophobic bullying workshops in schools and colleges.
To counter-act the protests and control the situation, Scotland Yard will have around 5,000 officers on duty, where 1,000 of them will be circulating to control any chaos in the surroundings. Assistant Commissioner Lynne Owens, head of central operations at Scotland Yard, said: "If anyone comes to London on the day of the royal wedding intending to commit criminal acts we will act quickly, robustly and decisively." Lynne Owens also said: "There is no specific intelligence in relation to this event but we would be really naive to ignore (anti-royal) comments on social media.
"If you are thinking of entering the crowds as a shield just don't do it. My officers will spot you in the crowd and they will take quick and decisive action to remove you. We won't let anybody disrupt this very exciting day for the royal family and the country.”
Six anarchists have already been arrested in the past week, perceived as a possible threat by Scotland Yard. They’ve been issued with bail, prohibited from entering central London on Friday. This brings a total of 68 anarchists banned from entering central London on the big day.
Despite all the events, the Metropolitan Police says there is no threat yet to the royal wedding.
Read More: William and Kate inspire new generation of royal supporters
Read More: A look inside Westminster Abbey
Read More: The Royal Cake, One Isn't Enough
Read More: Lady Gaga Performing at the Royal Wedding
Read More: Will the Royal Wedding break the Records?