The Met has called for “calm” as thousands of pro-Palestine activists began marching through the capital on Saturday afternoon.
A large group of protesters from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) gathered in Russell Square before heading towards Whitehall at 12.30pm.
Chants of “Free, free Palestine” and “Palestine will live forever!” echoed as the activists set off for the 18th pro-Palestine march in London this year.
It came as the Metropolitan Police issued a public plea amid concern over potential clashes between pro-Gaza campaigners and their rivals.
Huge London march for Palestine about to get underway. #Stopthegenocide#StoparmingIsrael#VotePalestine pic.twitter.com/15qjSs5KQ4
— PSC (@PSCupdates) June 8, 2024
Both the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and the counter-protest group Enough is Enough are marching in central London on Saturday.
While the force cannot prevent these protests from occurring, there is a hint of weariness in their efforts to safeguard such rallies, noting that this will be the 18th PSC march since October.
“The Met recognises the cumulative impact these have on Londoners, including on London’s Jewish communities,” a statement on Saturday read.
“The goal has been to protect the lawful right to protest while minimising the impact of these events.
“Police do not have the power to ban protests unless there is a risk of serious disorder.”
The force will be keen to avoid the repeat of ugly scenes from previous marches that have led to conflicts between different groups.
In May, police launched an appeal over a sexual assault at a pro-Palestine rally.
The PSC is marching from Russell Square while Enough is Enough began their rally one hour earlier at the Strand.
The Metropolitan Police has set out its conditions and warned those taking part that unruly behaviour could force officers to step in and make arrests under the Public Order Act.
As part of the instructions is a warning that protestors must not deviate from the approved route and timings of protest.
Deputy assistant commissioner Andy Valentine, said: “Everyone in London has a right to protest, and we continue to balance that with every Londoner’s right to go about their lives without fear or serious disruption.
“We have been in discussions with the PSC, Enough is Enough, religious leaders from both the Jewish and Muslim communities, community groups and businesses.
“The conditions put in place on the PSC march and the Enough is Enough counter-protest consider and balance the impact these events have on London and the right to protest, and seek to minimise disruption.
“We recognise the strong views of those participating in both protests. We urge everyone to exercise their right to protest calmly and within the law to avoid any unnecessary conflict.
“We have faced unprecedented public order demand since October and continue to take rapid enforcement action against anyone who crosses the line during events.”
