UK Police brace for tensions as pro-Palestinian march coincides with Armistice Day
In anticipation of a pro-Palestinian march expected to draw over 100,000 supporters on Saturday, nearly 2,000 police officers will be deployed across the UK capital. The event, marked by heightened security measures, coincides with Armistice Day, adding an extra layer of complexity.
Recent pro-Palestinian marches in London have led to almost 100 arrests, including charges related to supporting banned organizations and serious hate crimes. However, Saturday’s march raises concerns due to its overlap with the commemoration of those who died in conflicts since World War I.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak issued a late plea for peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the importance of respectful and peaceful protests. Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor described the upcoming weekend as “particularly challenging and tense.”
Organizers altered the march route to avoid passing landmark war memorials. Metal barriers will surround key memorial sites, with police empowered to arrest any marchers attempting to gather in those areas. The Cenotaph memorial will have a continuous police presence until remembrance events conclude on Sunday.
The situation is further complicated by the expected presence of right-wing counter-protesters, potentially including football hooligan groups. Taylor acknowledged the likelihood of confrontations, stating that the use of force by the police might be necessary.
With approximately 1,850 officers on duty Saturday and 1,375 on Sunday, this operation represents a significant increase in manpower for Remembrance weekend. The clash over the event has sparked a rift between the police and government, as ministers’ calls to ban the march raised concerns about political interference.
Interior Minister Suella Braverman accused the Metropolitan Police of treating left-wing protesters differently, leading to calls for her removal. Prime Minister Sunak expressed accountability concerns for Met chief Mark Rowley’s decision to permit the demonstration.
Despite objections from the government, Rowley maintained that the rally, organized by the Stop the War Coalition, did not meet the criteria for a government-ordered ban. He emphasized the rarity of such bans, reserving them for situations involving a serious threat of disorder.
As the nation commemorates November 11, marking the end of World War I and honoring armed forces casualties since 1914, the Metropolitan Police remains focused on ensuring the weekend events pass without disruption. The unfolding dynamics underscore the delicate balance between the right to protest and the need to uphold public order.
