Two arrests were made at the demonstration – one on suspicion of a breach of the Public Order Act conditions in place and an alleged breach of the peace, and one on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence, the Met said.

A counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism also took place at the other end of Whitehall, which called for supporters to “take to the streets” in a “massive anti-fascist demonstration”.

During speeches it heard from speakers including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP Diane Abbott and trade union general secretaries.

Two arrests were made near the Stand Up to Racism protest – one woman was arrested on suspicion of common assault – who was later de-arrested, and another arrest was made after an officer was allegedly assaulted, the Met said.

Another arrest was made on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence after a racist remark was allegedly directed at an officer, with the force saying it had not been confirmed which protest the person was attending.

There will be a “significant” policing presence in central London throughout Saturday, Scotland Yard said, adding officers from other police forces are on duty to support those from the Met and British Transport Police in Westminster.