Public order update

Conditions have been imposed on the Al Quds day protest and counter-protest in London this weekend (Sunday, 15 March).

Following consent from the Home Secretary, marches for both protests have been banned. As there is no law banning static protests, these will go ahead.

This is a limited and specific ban; it will apply to Al Quds day protests and those countering. This ban will be in place for one month.

The Met’s assessment is that a static protest will be easier to police and prevent the two sides from coming together. While this reduces the risk, we cannot completely rule it out.

Those taking part in the Al Quds day protest must assemble on Albert Embankment, on the south side of the river Thames.

The counter-protest must assemble on Millbank, the north side of the river Thames.

Both protests will take place between Lambeth and Vauxhall bridges, with Lambeth being closed to all apart from emergency vehicles. A police presence will remain around Vauxhall.

Both groups must not gather before 13:00hrs and must disperse by 15:00hrs.

Anyone who marches or incites other to march will face arrest.

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, Public Order lead said:

“We did not take the decision to ban the marches lightly, this is a unique set of circumstances and it was our assessment that the risk of public disorder was so severe, we did not have any other choice.

“I want to be clear this decision does not set a precedent. We haven’t used this power since 2012 and we will continue to consider each and every protest on a case-by-case basis. As we have seen we can manage these through the use of conditions to keep people safe. That wasn’t the case with the Al Quds march and counter-march.

“I expect we will still face a difficult public order weekend, we have resources from across country to help officers. We will also continue to have a visible police presence around places of worship, community venues and embassies. I am thankful to all officers who will be out at the weekend keeping London safe.”

Officers on the ground will act decisively and be briefed on placards, flags and chanting that will cross the line into hate crime or support of a proscribed organisation.

As set out previously, we will also take action where we see chants calling for intifada. We know these words have consequences.