Mass March and Rally Stir London Streets This Weekend
A major protest march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign kicks off from Bank junction in the City of London on Saturday, heading through Fleet Street and along Victoria Embankment to Parliament Square. The event, starting around midday, will feature speeches once the march arrives.
The very next day, Sunday, a static rally backing Israel will take place in Trafalgar Square from 2:30pm.
Heavy Police Presence to Keep Peace
About 1,700 officers, many from outside London, will be deployed to police Saturday’s march. Sunday’s rally will also see a strong police presence to ensure everything runs smoothly.
The Met Police aim to keep both events safe and peaceful, minimising disruption to the public while cracking down on any offences.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor stressed: “We respect the right to protest and will police without fear or favour. However, those who cross the line into criminal behaviour will face consequences.”
He added: “We urge anyone feeling unsafe or witnessing trouble at the protests to report it to officers.”
Crackdown on Extremist Symbols and Hate Speech
The Met warns that several recent protests have seen arrests, particularly over people carrying placards or wearing items linked to proscribed organisations such as Hamas or Hezbollah. Some offences have even fallen under the Terrorism Act.
On Friday, a man was charged for wearing a headband deemed supportive of a banned group during the November 25 protest.
The police are watching closely for anything that stirs religious or racial hatred and will act swiftly.
Strict March Rules and Real-Time Monitoring
- Protesters must stick to the approved march route; no deviation allowed.
- Speeches at Parliament Square will end by 4:30pm, and the whole event by 5pm.
- Protesters are banned from entering the area around the Israeli Embassy.
Road closures will be in place but lifted as soon as safely possible to reduce public disruption.
Police will use facial recognition and CCTV teams to spot offenders and remove offensive banners or placards on the spot. Dispersal orders and stop-and-search powers may be deployed if needed.
Leaflets outlining lawful behaviour will be handed out at the march’s start point to remind protestors of the rules.
More details on proscribed organisations are available online.
