700 police officers on duty ahead of London protests
A number of demonstrations are planned
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
The Metropolitan Police says it'll have around 700 officers on duty this weekend ahead of planned protests in central London.
A pro-Palestine march, a counter protest and potentially a Just Stop Oil event could all take place.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) is holding an event from noon on Saturday and there is expected to be a counter protest by Enough is Enough in central London.
The Met has used powers to place conditions on the protests to "ensure we minimise serious disruption to the community and balance the rights of all", the force said.
Superintendent Martin Kirby, who is leading policing in London this weekend, said: "As always the goal is to protect the right to peaceful protest while minimising the impact of these events, including on London's Jewish communities.
"Police do not have the power to ban protest unless there is a risk of serious disorder.
"We have been liaising with the PSC throughout this week and will have a significant number of officers on duty to maintain law and order.
"Officers will be on hand to ensure the events pass off without issue and will step in to deal with any crime or disorder should it occur.
"We will be visible and engaging with those involved in the events and if you see anything of concern we would ask you to talk to officers in the area."
The force said that since October it has used conditions under the Public Order Act "more extensively than during any other period of protest in recent memory".
Any person participating in the "Resistance Starts Here" assembly - or individuals associated with the group - must not enter the area shaded in red on the map. This includes all roads, pavements and green spaces.