The Metropolitan Police has issued a statement amid a series of social media posts urging young people to join demonstrations in London.
The posts call for “Gen Z” protests in the capital and appear to use images generated by AI. No organiser is mentioned on any of the leaflets circulating across TikTok, Facebook, and X.
The Met has said it is “aware” of the posts.
“At this stage, our assessment is that they are likely AI-generated, there is no identifiable organiser and no information to indicate a meaningful protest is likely,” the statement read.
“As with any emerging information, we continue to monitor the situation and have plans to respond to a range of scenarios should that become necessary.”
Protesters gathered at the Place de la Republique in Paris earlier this week
Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
French police officers stand behind a fire after an unauthorised protest in Paris on October 18
AFP via Getty Images
The social media posts call for action similar to demonstrations staged in France in recent days, which have led to violent clashes with police, widespread vandalism and looting.
The protests have already been replicated in other European countries, like Albania and Italy, and have sparked fears that they could spark unrest in Britain.
The French protests originally called for improvement to education amid staff shortages and poor learning conditions. But they quickly evolved into a wider movement that has seen protesters revolt against the cost of living.
They often descended into violence with rioters smashing car windows and shop fronts.
A number of cars were burned in the protest on October 17 in Paris
Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images
Meanwhile, a separate unrelated UK protest is being planned for November 20, calling for “a day of action” against defence spending and for better investment into education and jobs.
The Green Party’s youth wing, the Young Greens, shared a social media post supporting what has been dubbed the International Youth Day of Action.
Several left-wing groups across London universities have shared and reposted the leaflet.
The post issued a call to “all students and young workers” to join the “brave students abroad” in mass walkouts - drawing comparisons to the protests in France.
Co-chair of the Young Greens, Jo Dowbor, also shared the post on her personal Instagram account, rallying supporters to join the protest in Trafalgar Square next month.
Other iterations of the same protest have been spotted circulating around social media.
It is understood that the Met are monitoring the International Youth Day of Action protest and will formulate a policing plan closer the time.
Political leaders have called for a tough clampdown on any unrest after warnings that France-style demonstrations could emerge in Britain.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: “I don’t want us to end up like France is ending up, with so much civil unrest. Politicians need to take responsibility. We will help Shabana [Mahmood] if she takes responsibility.”
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK called on the Met to take a “firm, no-nonsense approach” to anyone who breaks the law.
The Standard has approached the Green Party for comment.