The Met Police have laid down the law ahead of the Palestine Coalition’s protest march in central London this Saturday. They’ve imposed strict conditions to curb disruption amid a busy weekend in the capital.
Protest Route and Timing Locked In
The march kicks off with a “form-up” in Piccadilly at exactly noon. But the procession itself cannot start before 12:45pm. It will then snake through Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, and Cockspur Street before ending in Whitehall.
After the march, a rally will take place in Whitehall—but it must wrap up by 5pm sharp.
Policing Focus: Keep It Safe, Keep London Moving
T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, in charge of policing the weekend, said:
“We’ve worked closely with the Palestine Coalition, local residents, businesses, faith groups, and community leaders who are affected by protests. It’s a very busy weekend with Black Friday shoppers and Winter Wonderland visitors, so we’ve balanced the right to protest with minimising disruption.”
She added officers will be patrolling the route and surrounding areas to keep the march safe and orderly.
Legal Conditions Under the Public Order Act
- No assembly before 12:00pm on Saturday in the designated Piccadilly area.
- Protesters must stay within the defined zone until the procession kicks off.
- The march must follow the specified route without deviation.
- All activity must conclude by 5pm to avoid extended disruption.
With London’s streets already feeling the pressure from previous protests, the Met is determined to protect the right to protest – without turning the capital into chaos.
