In anticipation of a protest march organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and other groups, officers will be on duty in significant numbers in central London tomorrow to ensure the event proceeds without incident.
This demonstration is the latest in a series of large protests that have occurred since the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7 and the subsequent military action in Gaza.
The march will commence south of Marble Arch on the northbound carriageway of Park Lane, setting off at 1.30pm along Park Lane, then along Knightsbridge and Kensington Road, concluding at the junction with Kensington Court where speeches will be delivered. The event is scheduled to end by 5pm, with protesters dispersing by 6pm.
Approximately 1,500 officers will be deployed on public order duties in London tomorrow to oversee the protest and other events, including football matches. Many of these officers will be drawn from police forces across the UK, as has been the case on previous weekends.
Commander Kyle Gordon, who will lead the policing operation, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has had a profound impact on communities in London.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Commander Gordon urged demonstrators to adhere to the law and consider the safety and security of others. He stressed the police’s role in ensuring protests occur lawfully and minimizing disruption to the public.
It is worth noting that protest organizers have decided to hold the demonstration in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy for the first time since a static rally on October 9. Contrary to common misconceptions, the police do not grant permission for protests to take place, nor do they set the route of a protest. However, they have the authority to impose legal conditions to prevent disruption or disorder.
For Saturday’s protest, an exclusion zone will be in place, keeping participants more than 100m away from the embassy grounds. Precautions have been taken to minimize disruption to sensitive premises, including synagogues, and officers have engaged with community leaders to provide reassurance and details of the policing plan.
The policing approach for this weekend will mirror that of previous protests, with a visible police presence, road closures for participant safety, and conditions imposed under the Public Order Act. Officers will be vigilant for offensive placards and banners, utilizing facial recognition technology and CCTV monitoring to identify and intervene in criminal activity.
While the police will make every effort to maintain public order, Commander Gordon emphasized the need for cooperation from all parties to ensure a peaceful and lawful demonstration.
As tensions remain high amid the ongoing conflict, the police are prepared to respond robustly to any criminal activity during Saturday’s protest, utilizing all available means to maintain public safety and uphold the law.
