Policing operation around this weekend's protests

Londoners will see extra officers on duty this weekend as a policing operation takes place around planned protests.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) are holding an event and there is expected to be a counter protest by Enough is Enough in central London on Saturday, 6 July.

In total the Met will have around 700 officers on duty this weekend to police these events, plus more to manage smaller protests in London, the Wimbledon Championships and other events.

We have engaged with the PSC about the timings, starting point and route for the march and used powers to place conditions on the protests to ensure we minimise serious disruption to the community and balance the rights of all.  We have also been speaking with faith and community leaders as well as businesses and shops on the route.

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.”

Conditions

Since October, we’ve used the proactive imposition of conditions under the Public Order Act more extensively than during any other period of protest in recent memory.

Where proportionate and necessary we have imposed conditions in relation to the route of protests, their duration, their start and finish times, the details of any static assemblies and the ability of those involved to get near to sensitive sites or into communities where fears are most heightened.

Conditions can be imposed either in advance of an event or by the senior officer present during an event.

Saturday’s PSC march takes place from noon.

The march will form up in Russell Square WC1 between noon and 13:00hrs. Protesters will follow a route down Southampton Row, Kingsway, Aldwych and into Victoria Embankment, stopping just short of Portcullis House for speeches.

The following conditions will be in place relating to the PSC event: 

Section 12(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the PSC and coalition partners’ procession must not deviate from the specified route shown on the associated map.

Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the PSC and coalition partners’ rally must remain within the area indicated in red on the associated map.

The PSC and coalition partners’ stage may only be set up in Embankment in the place shaded blue on the associated map.

The PSC and coalition partners’ rally must conclude by 17:30hrs on Saturday, 6 July 2024.

It is believed Enough is Enough plan a static protest close to the route of the PSC march.

To minimise the possibility of serious disruption to the community we have imposed the following conditions related to the expected Enough is Enough event:

Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

Participants in the Enough is Enough assembly must remain in the area on the Strand indicated on the attached map.

The Enough is Enough assembly participants must not gather before 12:00hrs.

We have also imposed conditions on Just Stop Oil following information that suggests they may be planning an event tomorrow. This is to prevent serious disruption to the community.

Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the JSO “Resistance Starts Here” assembly (or individuals associated with this group), must not enter the area shaded in red on the attached map (this includes the entirety of the roads, pavements and green spaces).