The Met Police has issued a warning ahead of what the force has described as a challenging week for policing in London.
There could be as many as half a dozen protests taking place across the capital next week as the third anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches.
Two pro-Palestine marches have been planned on October 7 and October 10, organised by the University of London coalition and the Palestine Coalition respectively.
The Met Police also anticipates that there could be counter protests on October 10 led by Stop the Hate.
The police are also preparing for possible conflict on Thursday as voters flock to polling stations amid the Holborn and St Pancras by-election. Arrests have already been made following conflicts between canvassers and protesters.
A march on October 4 is also set to take place in Whitechapel to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.
Some five thousand people are expected to march and while there is not expected to be disorder, the police are preparing for possible disagreements between groups attending the event.
There is also the possibility of several spontaneous events and protests related to immigration, which the force is preparing for over the next week.
The Met Police said it would be taking a “robust approach - imposing strict conditions where the intelligence indicates there is a risk of serious disorder, serious disruption or that others would be threatened and intimidated.”
The force explained it would take firm action on anti-Semitism or anti-Muslim abuse, as well as incitement to violence, or language that points to support for terrorist or proscribed groups, including Palestine Action.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Met Operations, James Harman, said in a statement: “If anyone thinks they can commit crime, intimidate our communities or stir up hatred towards others, they should think again as they will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.”
All the major protests happening in London
October 4: Battle of Cable Street March
Some 5,000 people are expected to attend a march in Whitechapel on Sunday to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.
The Battle of Cable Street was a series of clashes between the British Union of Fascists, the Communist Party of Britain, the Independent Labour Party, and the Jewish People’s Council.
The people of the East End were able to firmly halt Oswald Moseley’s efforts to intimidate the Jewish community.
Now, 90 years on, protesters will return to east London to unite once again against fascism.
It is expected to be attended by members of the Cable Street Jews, Stop the Hate, Our Fight, and other activists.
The police said it is not anticipating disorder, but will attend the event “to provide reassurance” in case of disagreement between different groups.
The protesters will gather on Whitechapel Road before heading to Cable Street and St George’s Town Hall via Aldgate East Station and Leman Street.
A number of roads are expected to be closed.
October 6: Holborn and St Pancras by-election
Thousands of people are set to vote in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 6.
The seat - which has been held by Labour since its inception - has been vacant since Sir Keir Starmer stood down as MP last month.
Party leader Zack Polanski and Labour’s Sagal Abdi-Wali have both been spotted in the streets campaigning, while canvassers have also flocked to the constituency.
The Met Police has warned that there may be issues over the course of the weekend and next week as canvassers continue to hit the streets.
The force has already made a number of arrests between those canvassing and protesters following reports of intimidating and obstructive conduct.
The behaviour was described as “wholly unacceptable” by DAC Harman.
He said in his statement that parties must be “given space to lawfully canvas and campaign.”
The statement added that this was not a suggestion of any political preference from the force nor a “two-tier approach.”
“We are politically neutral but we will always exercise our powers in whatever context to keep people safe,” he said.
October 7: University of London Coalition march
A group of students called the University of London Coalition have planned a march from Kings College in the Strand to University College London in Holborn.
The group is demanding an end to what it has described as a genocide in Gaza.
The Met Police is appealing to organisers to change the date of the march.
The force admitted to not being able to find the organisers, but have issued a public statement “to urge them to reconsider.”
The statement read: “For many in our city, this will be a day of mourning, a day of reflection, and we are aware of a number of vigil events being planned.
“Serious concerns have been expressed about the impact of this march on students and staff, particularly those who are Jewish, the route, and the day it is being held.”
The police have also written to four London universities in a desperate attempt to have the date changed.
It added that recent antisemitic incidents at London universities have raised concern.
“We have joined other voices in emphasising the responsibility of universities to ensure that Jewish students and staff can study, work and participate fully in university life without intimidation, harassment or discrimination,” the statement continued.
If the date is not changed, students intend on gathering from midday before embarking on the march through the capital.
The police have said policing plans for the event are still under development.
As it stands, the police do not have the power to ban marches or to refuse permission for protests. The police can seek a ban from the Home Secretary, but only in circumstances where they feel there is a serious risk of disorder.
October 10: Palestine Coalition march
Palestine Coalition has organised a march on October 10, advocating for Palestinian rights and in protest of UK government complicity in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The Palestine Coalition comprises several organisations, including Stop the War and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Around 10,000 people are expected to attend the event - which is the first such march in three months.
The group will form at midday near Northumberland Avenue in Embankment, before walking to Westminster Bridge and then along the South Bank to Waterloo Bridge and the Strand.
The march will end with a rally on Whitehall, drawing to a close at 5pm.
Stop the Hate UK - a Jewish-led group founded to counter anti-Semitism - is expected to hold a counter-protest on the same day.
There is expected to be a serious police presence in the area. Such operations are estimated to have cost the Metropolitan Police £26.6 million since October 2023.
