The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they will mount one of their largest public order operations of the year this weekend, as thousands are expected to take part in protests and counter-protests across the capital. In a recent announcement, the Met Police outline their major public order operation to ensure the safety of all participants. Indeed, the Met Police outline a major public order operation this weekend.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner (DAC) Ade Adelekan said London is facing “another very busy weekend” of demonstrations, including a major march organised by the Palestine Coalition on Saturday and a national march against antisemitism on Sunday. The message highlights how the Met Police outline this major public operation for public safety.
The policing plan comes after what the Met described as “a particularly busy summer” of protests, major cultural events and sporting fixtures.
Met Police confirm large-scale policing operation
DAC Adelekan revealed that since June, 62,829 officer shifts have been dedicated to protests and events. September alone is forecast to require 19,461 shifts, at a projected cost of over £10 million. This is part of how the Met Police outline a major operation for public order.
“These operations inevitably pull officers away from frontline duties,” he admitted. “While we work to minimise the impact, there are unavoidable pressures on wider policing priorities.”
Saturday: Palestine protests and counter-demonstrations
On Saturday, protesters will march from Russell Square to Whitehall. Police expect counter-protests along the route and will deploy officers at both the start and end points, as well as at sensitive junctions. The strategic deployment aligns with how the Met Police plan to outline a major public order operation amid these events.
A separate protest in Parliament Square by Defend Our Juries is expected to involve placards supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed under terrorism legislation. DAC Adelekan was unequivocal:
“If you show support for Palestine Action – an offence under the Terrorism Act – you will be arrested.”
He confirmed custody capacity and investigative teams are in place to process “as many people as required.”
Sunday: March against antisemitism
On Sunday, a national march against antisemitism will assemble north of Oxford Circus before proceeding to Whitehall. The Met is working with organisers and the Community Security Trust to ensure robust safety arrangements. This careful organisation shows how the Met Police outline a major public order operation for Sunday.
Immigration-related protests
Police also expect further demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers. DAC Adelekan warned against disorder, citing incidents last weekend in Canary Wharf and West Drayton where officers faced “unacceptable aggression.” The Met Police’s plan continues with a significant public order operation as outlined in their announcement.
Counter Terrorism Command update
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, head of SO15 operations, said more than 120 people in London have been charged following arrests at earlier protests for showing support to Palestine Action. Nationally, over 800 arrests have been made. This is part of the Met Police’s strategy as they outline a major public order operation to manage these challenges.
She confirmed seven people were charged this week under the Terrorism Act after a proactive investigation into those suspected of encouraging support for the proscribed group.
Flanagan stressed that lawful demonstrations continue:
“On the same day 500 people were arrested for supporting Palestine Action, around 15,000 others marched peacefully for Palestine with just one arrest. This is not about stopping protest – it’s about enforcing the law.”
She added that terrorism convictions could have long-term consequences, including restrictions on travel, career prospects and academic opportunities.
Final message
The Met has urged people planning to demonstrate to do so lawfully:
- Protests supporting Palestine are legal if not linked to Palestine Action.
- Support for Palestine Action is a criminal offence under terrorism legislation.
- Police will intervene immediately if criminality or disorder occurs.
DAC Adelekan concluded:
“We have the resources and plans in place. Attempts to overwhelm policing and the justice system will not succeed.”
Met Police confirm a large-scale public order operation in London this weekend with Palestine, antisemitism, and immigration protests planned.
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