Police have relocated a pro-Palestinian protest planned for Wednesday away from a synagogue in Marble Arch.
Students planned to assemble at the landmark from 1pm to 4pm on October 7, the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
Protesters have now been told the ‘three years of genocide vigil and protest’ must now take place in Russell Square, Bloomsbury and finish at 2pm, the end point for another student Palestine march planned for tomorrow.
In a statement earlier today, Metropolitan Police said it would impose conditions requiring the demonstration to take place elsewhere, due to the arch’s proximity to a synagogue, adding that while such restrictions are usually reserved for Saturdays, the Shabbat and Jewish holidays, it had taken the decision given the symbolism of the day.
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We have previously imposed conditions preventing pro-Palestinian groups assembling at Marble Arch, recognising the impact on those attending synagogues in the vicinity.
‘While that is a particular concern when protests take place on Saturdays – the Jewish holy day – it is reasonably foreseeable that on the anniversary of October 7 there will be congregants wishing to attend synagogue.’
Council leader Paul Swaddle joined calls for the proposed protest to be moved to another day, labelling the choice of date ‘needlessly provocative’.
‘Police should intervene as they did with the far-right march at Edgware Road as there is a clear public order risk’, he said.
A separate march planned from King’s College London on the Strand to UCL in Russell Square is still scheduled to go ahead tomorrow.
Responding to calls for the demonstration to be banned or rescheduled for a less sensitive date, Met Police said the specific criteria for prohibiting the march had not been met.
Under Section 13 of the Public Order Act, police can apply to the Home Secretary to ban marches, but only if the risk of disorder is deemed so serious it cannot be mitigated through conditions. The section does not apply to static protests.
The force added that a lack of identified organiser meant that potential Section 11 offences could not yet be considered, clarifying that the failure of any individual to come forward as leading the event was not itself grounds for banning the demonstration.
Conditions imposed by police mean the rally must conclude by 2pm and attendees are forbidden from wearing any face coverings the conceal their identity.
DAC James Harman said: ‘We have imposed stringent conditions on those taking part in this march. These will help us manage the event and minimise serious disruption.
‘Anyone who breaches these conditions or commits offences should be under no illusion they will face arrest. We have zero tolerance for hate crime and those who chant or display placards calling for intifada or encourage unlawful extremism will be arrested.’
But he added: ‘I would like to take this opportunity – again – to call on anyone intending to join this march to please reflect on the impact and distress it will cause on this very significant date, and exercise your right to protest on a different day.’