Major policing operation in London ahead of protests and busy shopping day
A pro-Palestine march and a counter-demonstration are planned
Last updated 30th Nov 2024
The Met has a major policing operation planned for central London this weekend - with two opposing protests taking place - alongside one of the busiest shopping days ahead of Christmas.
A march organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign is due to start from Park Lane from 1130 and end at Whitehall with speeches a couple of hours later.
A counter protest by Stop the Hate is planned on Coventry Street.
Ahead of this weekend the Met Police have had significant negotiations and engagements with event organisers, as well as with those who will be impacted, including the Jewish community and local businesses.
This weekend is expected to be one of the busiest shopping weeks ahead of Christmas and the Met says this has to be taken into account to allow people intending to visit central London and businesses to operate without serious disruption.
Those travelling to the surrounding area should plan their journeys and check before they travel. People attending the protest are advised to use Victoria and Bond Street station.
The PSC march will form up on the southern end of Park Lane away from Marble Arch from 1130 hours before proceeding down Park Lane between 1245 hours and 1315 hours, finishing in Whitehall where an assembly with speeches will take place.
Following the march, anyone participating in the assembly for speeches must remain in a defined area on Whitehall. The assembly must conclude by 1630 or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the speeches, whichever is earlier.
There are also a number of restrictions in place surrounding the PSC march and Stop the Hate protest under various sections of the Public Order Act 1986 - as follows:
March and protest conditions, under the Public Order Act 1986
The “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” assembly in preparation for the planned procession must be held within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 1) on Park Lane (southbound) and assembly participants must remain within that area.
The assembly must not commence before 11.30 and participants must not attend the designated area before that time.
Any tables, tents, gazebos or similar structures erected in connection with the assembly must be located within the designated area.
The distribution of any leaflets or other material by assembly participants and organisers may only take place within the designated area.
The “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” procession must commence between 1245 hours and 1315 hours.
Procession participants forming up at Park Lane must commence proceeding along the prescribed route (Map 2) between 1245 hours and 1315 hours.
Procession participants must not deviate from the prescribed route specified on the attached map (Map 2).
After the march - any person participating in the “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” post-procession assembly must remain within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 3).
The assembly must conclude by 16.30 or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the speeches, whichever is earlier.
Stop the Hate will hold a counter protest on Coventry Street, W1D on the route of the PSC procession.
Any persons participating in the Stop the Hate assembly must remain within the designated area (the red shaded area on Map 4)
Additional officers will be on patrol in the area engaging with faith venues, businesses, residents and other venues along the route to help minimise disruption and respond to any concerns on the day.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, who is leading this weekend’s policing operation, said:
“Ahead of the weekend we have been in regular discussions with the PSC, counter protesters Stop the Hate, as well as faith and community groups – particularly the Jewish community who we know continue to be impacted by protests – residents, and businesses.
“We expect this weekend to be very busy with many people shopping during the Black Friday sales, and visiting the capital ahead of the festive period, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park which is nearby. We have worked with organisers to seek to minimise disruption and balance the right to protest.
“Officers will be highly visible along the protest route and wider area to ensure the events take place safely and will deal with any offences.”