The Home Secretary has slammed the brakes on the Al-Quds march set for Sunday, marking the first protest ban in London since 2012. The move comes amid fears of serious disorder linked to the event’s Iranian regime ties.
First London Protest Ban Since 2012
London’s Metropolitan Police urged Shabana Mahmood to block the march, citing serious public safety concerns. The Al-Quds rally, organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission—a group supportive of Iran’s regime—was due to take place on 15 March.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The threshold to ban a protest is high and we do not take this decision lightly. This is the first time we have used this power since 2012.”
Why the Ban?
- The march is linked to Iran and carries “extreme tensions” between protestors and counter-protestors.
- Thousands were expected amid heightened Middle East unrest, including US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Counter-demonstrations against the Iranian regime were also planned, raising fears of violent clashes.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley determined the risk of serious disorder justified the ban.
Met Police Warn of Potential Violence
The Met said placing conditions on the march wouldn’t be enough to stop violent outbreaks that could harm the public, police, and property. Recent years have seen arrests at Al-Quds events for supporting terrorist groups and antisemitic crimes.
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan: “We protect the right to protest but those crossing into criminality will face the full force of the law.”
He added that intelligence services revealed over 20 foiled Iranian state-backed attacks in the UK last year. Recent arrests included alleged spying on Jewish communities for Iran.
Community Engagement and Future Security
The Met continues to engage with London’s Jewish, Muslim, and Iranian communities ahead of the weekend, aiming to reduce tensions. While static assemblies cannot be banned, strict conditions will be imposed.
Police promise robust action against anyone attempting to start or join banned marches, warning arrests will follow. The scale of the operation includes officers from across the country prepared for a potentially volatile weekend.
This historic protest ban highlights the volatile mix of international politics and local security concerns in London’s streets.
