Conservative and Labour politicians have united in condemning the violence that flared up at protests in central London on Saturday.
Officers in riot gear and mounted police were pelted with bottles and at least one smoke bomb after a crowd of people, some from far-right groups, converged on Parliament Square on Saturday.
Chants of "England" rang out around Whitehall as some protesters appeared to make Nazi salutes. Many of those present were drinking.
Home Secretary Priti Patel slammed protesters, describing the scenes as "thoroughly unacceptable thuggery."
She said on Twitter: "Any perpetrators of violence or vandalism should expect to face the full force of the law. Violence towards our police officers will not be tolerated.”
London mayor Sadiq Khan also criticised the violence, tweeting: “This is totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate attacks on our police and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.
“It is clear that far right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London, I urge people to stay away.”
Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds also joined the condemnations, saying the protesters seemed "intent on causing violence and division."
Police bosses implemented a Section 60 order, enabling officers to conduct street searches amid concerns some protesters had brought weapons and were "intent on causing harm".
Met Police commander Bas Javid said: “The safety of protesters, officers and the public this weekend is of the upmost importance, and it is for that exact reason why we have consulted with colleagues and partners, and decided it is proportionate to put in place a Section 60.
“It is our job to protect those who are coming into central London today, and this tactic is one of the best available to us, which allows us to seize offensive weapons that have absolutely no place on our streets at any time of the day.
“Whilst we believe there is no imminent threat to the public, we want people to be aware of why they may be stopped by London’s officers, spoken to, and possibly searched as well. Officers will, as always, be professional and courteous and I really want the public to speak to police if they have any concerns about why they are being stopped and spoken to.”
