November 6th 2023.
Since the outbreak of the latest conflict in the Middle East, there have been a number of pro-Palestine marches in London. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is planning a major demonstration on Saturday, and has made assurances that it will avoid Whitehall and the area around the Cenotaph war memorial during the rally.
The Metropolitan Police, however, is planning to use “any legislation necessary” to prevent any disruption, including Section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986, which allows for the banning of processions when there is a risk of serious disorder. Met Commander Karen Findlay made a statement saying that “thousands of officers will be deployed in an extensive security operation” and that “we will use all powers and tactics at our disposal to ensure that anyone intent on disrupting it will not succeed.”
The planned route for the demonstration runs from Hyde Park to the US Embassy in Vauxhall. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has described the pro-Palestine demonstrations as “hate marches”, claiming that some participants chanted “jihad” and were “calling for the erasure of Israel.” She has said that anyone who tries to vandalise the Cenotaph should be “put in a jail cell faster than their feet can touch the ground.”
The Met is unlikely to face much resistance from Ms Braverman in regards to the potential banning of the protest. In their own statement, they said “we recognise the terrible events in Israel and Gaza continue to have an impact on communities across London” and that they are “utilising all legislation to its fullest extent”.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign organisers have said that they “have no intention of marching on or near Whitehall”, and are “alarmed” by statements from the Prime Minister that suggest the march is a direct threat to the Cenotaph and is designed to disrupt the Remembrance Day commemorations.
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