Barnet Council leader calls on residents to avoid North Finchley ahead of tonight’s planned far-right demonstration

Barry Rawlings pictured outside Hendon Town Hall (credit Barnet Council)

The leader of Barnet Council has responded to social media reports of a planned far-right demonstration in North Finchley by calling on the borough’s residents to avoid the area.

Barry Rawlings, who attended an online meeting of local police, politicians and community leaders this morning to discuss how to respond to the far-right action, told local people not to go to the area this evening “if possible”, echoing an earlier message from Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman.

Cllr Rawlings said: “You will be aware that information has been circulating on social media about a possible ‘protest’ in North Finchley on Wednesday evening. If you live, work or travel through the area then we advise caution and to be mindful of your safety.

“I also ask that you consider avoiding North Finchley this evening, if possible. If there are any issues, then it will be far easier for the Police and other agencies to tackle the situation and catch the perpetrators if innocent bystanders are not in the area.

“I understand that some of you will be wanting to join peaceful counter-protests. If you do, then I advise you do not cover your faces (except for religious or medical reasons), fly flags or engage in behaviour that will attract the attention of the Police.

He added: “We understand the Metropolitan Police are stepping up their patrols and presence in the area to reassure residents and communities. We are in close contact with our partners in the Metropolitan Police and will do everything we can to ensure that the horrendous Islamophobic, anti-immigrant and racist scenes that have taken place in town and cities around the country do not play out on our streets. We will not tolerate anyone who seeks to intimidate, attack or divide our communities.”

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