Organisers of a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London have confirmed the protest will proceed on Saturday in Trafalgar Square, despite appeals from the Metropolitan Police and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to postpone or cancel.
Campaign group Defend for Our Juries said in a statement on Friday that “cancelling peaceful protests lets terror win,” insisting their action is focused on opposing the Government’s proscription of Palestine Action and UK complicity in Israeli actions in Gaza.
Around 1,500 participants, including clergy, pensioners, and healthcare workers, are expected.
The Met has warned that the protest will draw critical policing resources away from communities still reeling from this week’s attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
The Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “At a time when every officer is needed to reassure and protect communities, we are forced to plan for a gathering of over 1,000 people in support of a proscribed terrorist organisation. This diverts valuable resources at a critical moment.”
The Home Secretary echoed these concerns, calling the group’s decision dishonourable and entirely the wrong way to make their case.
She said she was very disappointed with similar protests on Thursday night, during which 40 arrests were made outside Downing Street, including six for assaults on police officers.
They argued postponing would conflate Israel’s actions with Jewish communities, potentially fuelling antisemitism.
The Met has confirmed reinforcements from other forces will be deployed if needed. Specialist Project Servator teams and armed officers will also be on standby across London this weekend to monitor protests and secure public spaces.
