Saturday will see what is billed as the largest-ever march supporting Palestinians in Gaza and calling for an end to arms sales to Israel. There will also be a counter-event by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
It would be a challenge for the police in any circumstances, but it is especially so given the repercussions of the exchange two weeks ago between police and Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism. That featured the now-notorious phrase “openly Jewish”. It seemed to many Jewish people to sum up the hostile atmosphere for the community during these marches. But there must not be no-go areas for any faith in London, and that should also be true tomorrow.
The onus is on the organisers of the main march — and also the counter-protest — to ensure that calm prevails. The police will be out in force, at considerable cost to the public, with more than 1,000 officers policing the march, but it is for those taking part to show restraint.
The point of the march is to draw attention to the situation in Gaza, not to be an occasion of lawlessness and intolerance. Those taking part must give short shrift to anyone using threatening or intimidatory language or resorting to violence. The right to public protest is precious, but it must be exercised with respect for the rights of others.
No photo ID, no vote
Polls about the mayoralty usually delight some Londoners while disappointing others, but one we report today should dismay those of every political stripe. One in four young people do not know they need to bring photo ID to polling stations next Thursday, which is dispiriting stuff.
By contrast, 98 per cent of over-65s are aware of the requirement. A youthful generation, which has as much right to representation as any other, risks disenfranchising itself by accident. Whatever your politics, pass on the message: bring photo ID to a polling station or leave yourself voiceless.
Meanwhile, it is not too late for the boroughs and the Mayor’s office to respond to this situation with a blizzard of public information advertisements to remind us all of the new rules, especially on social media where young people may actually notice them.
Grudge match
In N17 this weekend, expect the polar opposite of a languid Sunday afternoon. When Tottenham play Arsenal, it will be a full-throttle, nerve-shredding grudge match. It always is, but with Spurs standing in the way of a possible first league title in 20 years for Mikel Arteta’s side, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Stand by for the fallout!
