In an unprecedented move, the Metropolitan Police will use the River Thames to separate pro-Iranian protesters from counterdemonstrators in central London this Sunday, as the city braces for what police have described as a “highly volatile” situation.
Interior minister Shabana Mahmood approved the Met’s request to ban the annual Al-Quds Day march, organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), citing escalating tensions due to the ongoing conflict in Iran and the risk of serious public disorder.
While the march is banned, the IHRC plans to hold a static rally on the south bank of the Thames to press for “Palestinian liberation.”
Thames as a tactical divide
Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said the River Thames would serve as a physical barrier between the two sides — a tactic never used before by the Met.
The al-Quds rally will be confined to the Albert Embankment, while counterprotests, including groups opposed to the Iranian regime, pro-Israeli supporters, and exiled Iranian volunteers, will gather near Millbank.
Lambeth Bridge will be closed to ensure separation, and marine policing units will patrol the river.
“This is a unique set of circumstances, and we need a unique tactical plan to keep people apart while allowing lawful protest,” Adelekan said.
Heavy police presence
More than 1,000 officers from London and other forces are expected to patrol the area, with backup on standby. Police anticipate around 12,000 participants, although numbers could swell given recent events in the Middle East. Adelekan warned that while the measures aim to reduce risk, “there is no guarantee disorder will not take place.”
Counterprotests mobilise
The counterprotests include Stop the Hate, a Jewish group campaigning against antisemitism at pro-Palestinian rallies, the Lion Guard of Iran, and the Free Iranian Coalition. These groups plan to make their presence felt on the north bank of the Thames.
Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of IHRC, has openly expressed support for Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling on participants to join the Al-Quds rally. Police highlighted an “intelligence gap” as organisers did not provide a full list of speakers or attendees, complicating risk assessments.
Zero tolerance on hate crime
Adelekan emphasised that while freedom of speech will be respected, there is “zero tolerance for hate crime,” and any participant crossing the line will face arrest.
The Met said the scale and sophistication of policing deployed for Sunday’s events illustrate the “unique” nature of the current situation and a first-of-its-kind approach to preventing clashes amid global tensions spilling onto London streets.
