London G20 protests

Anti-globalisation, anti-capitalist and environmental groups are planning a series of demonstrations in London to mark the G20 Summit, but the protests could be much less violent than the media has so far surmised.

The activists are planning demonstrations outside the Houses of Parliament on Saturday March 28 and around the City of London on Wednesday April 1 and Thursday April 2.

The demonstrations on Saturday are likely to be the largest. The protesters will start at Temple and move on to the Embankment and go past the Houses of Parliament to Hyde Park.

The number of protesters taking part in Saturday’s (March 28) rally could reach as many as 20,000—but they have promised to prevent street fighting. There is a small risk that anarchists join this march and engage in violence with the police, according to an incident assessment from Exclusive Analysis.

On April 1, environmentalists will protest against climate change outside the European Climate Exchange in Bishopsgate. These protests are unlikely to lead to property damage as the organising group does not want to alienate the public, said Exclusive Analysis.

“Disruption to business is more likely on April 1 and 2.

On the same day protest marches are also scheduled to start at 11am from four locations—Moorgate, Liverpool Street Station, London Bridge and Cannon Street stations—and converge on the Bank of England.

Disruption to business is more likely on April 1 and 2, although, according to Exclusive Analysis, protesters will probably take to the streets in their hundreds rather than thousands—as predicted elsewhere in the press.

The risk of violence and vandalism will be highest on these days, said Exclusive Analysis. But the firm assessed that the threat to individuals would be minimal, contrary to media reports that City workers wearing suits would be targeted.

Several extreme left-wing and anarchist groups have called for participation in the protests and these are the groups most likely to start violence.

The vandals are likely to single out specific targets—such as RBS buildings, the London Stock Exchange, banks, energy firms and financial services companies in general—said Exclusive Analysis.