Met Police Brace for Biggest Weekend of Protests in London
The Met Police have announced one of their largest public order operations of the year this weekend. Thousands are expected to flood the capital for protests and counter-protests, with officers on high alert to keep the peace.
Massive Police Deployment Underway
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan revealed the scale of preparations:
- Since June, 62,829 officer shifts have been assigned to protests and major events.
- In September alone, 19,461 shifts are scheduled, costing over £10 million.
- These demands inevitably pull officers away from frontline duties, straining wider policing priorities.
“These operations inevitably pull officers away from frontline duties. While we work to minimise the impact, there are unavoidable pressures on wider policing priorities,”
said DAC Adelekan.
Saturday Showdowns: Palestine March & Counter-Protests
On Saturday, thousands will march from Russell Square to Whitehall in a demonstration organised by the Palestine Coalition. Police expect counter-protests along the route and will heavily staff key junctions to prevent clashes.
A separate protest by Defend Our Juries at Parliament Square will feature support for Palestine Action, a group banned under terrorism laws.
“If you show support for Palestine Action – an offence under the Terrorism Act – you will be arrested,”
warned DAC Adelekan.
Custody suites and investigation teams are ready to handle any arrests, underscoring how seriously the Met is treating the weekend’s events.
Sunday’s March Against Antisemitism
Sunday brings another major demonstration, a national march against antisemitism starting north of Oxford Circus and ending at Whitehall. Organisers are working closely with the Met and the Community Security Trust to guarantee safety.
Immigration Protests and Rising Tensions
Demonstrations are also expected outside hotels housing asylum seekers. After last weekend’s incidents in Canary Wharf and West Drayton, where police officers faced “unacceptable aggression,” cops are on high alert.
Counter Terror Clash: Crackdown on Extremism
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan of SO15 revealed:
- More than 120 people in London have been charged for supporting Palestine Action, with over 800 arrests nationally.
- Seven individuals were charged this week under the Terrorism Act after a proactive operation.
“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,”
Flanagan emphasised.
She added that terrorism convictions could severely impact individuals’ futures, restricting travel, careers, and studies.
Final Warning: Protest Law and Police Preparedness
- Protests supporting Palestine are legal — as long as they’re not linked to Palestine Action.
- Supporting Palestine Action is a criminal offence under terrorism laws.
- Police will act swiftly against any criminal acts or disorder.
“We have the resources and plans in place. Attempts to overwhelm policing and the justice system will not succeed,”
DAC Adelekan concluded.
The Met is set to maintain a firm grip on London’s streets this weekend as they juggle protests on Palestine, antisemitism, and immigration.
