Police accused of 'standing by' as 'feral' pro-migrant protesters chase Restore Britain canvassers from Holborn doorsteps

From the Newshound archive · first published 27 September 2026 · last updated 28 September 2026.

Footage posted on social media shows Stand Up To Racism activists following and heckling Restore Britain canvassers during door-knocking in Holborn and St Pancras, with officers then escorting the campaigners away from the area rather than dispersing the crowd. Protesters chanted "out to canvass Nazi scum" and blocked canvassers dropping leaflets, while one shouted at police: "Would you deport this police officer because he is not white?" Restore's leader Rupert Lowe posted the video to X, calling his canvasser "brave" and demanding police protection for democratic campaigning. The incident has reignited fury over policing double standards ahead of the October 8 by-election.

Reform's Robert Jenrick called the scenes 'dark for our democracy', saying police should protect campaigners, not escort them away.

The by-election to replace Sir Keir Starmer is rated a near-certainty for Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali, with Green leader Zack Polanski the 6-1 outsider.

Polanski declared himself an 'antizionist' at a hustings this week, as Abdi-Wali declined to answer whether she was a Zionist.