London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025

Pro-Palestine March Replaced by Static Rally Amid Route Controversy

Pro-Palestine March Replaced by Static Rally Amid Route Controversy

Protests planned near London's BBC headquarters face restrictions amidst police concerns over disruptions to nearby synagogue.
A high-profile pro-Palestine march originally scheduled to pass through central London has been cancelled, transitioning instead into a static rally set to take place at Whitehall.

This decision follows a significant disagreement between the Metropolitan Police and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) over the proposed route, which had initially included Portland Place — a location proximal to the BBC headquarters.

The Metropolitan Police had voiced concerns that such a demonstration would present risks of serious disruption, particularly to a nearby synagogue, especially as the protest was scheduled on a Saturday, coinciding with the Jewish holy day.

For several weeks prior, the police had been negotiating with the PSC and other community groups to determine an appropriate route for the march that would conclude in Whitehall.

Invoking powers under the Public Order Act, the police prohibited the rally formation in the contested area, prompting the PSC to adapt their plans.

Labeling the police-imposed conditions as "repressive," the PSC announced that demonstrators would now assemble at Whitehall for a static protest.

Despite alterations, concerns persist within the Jewish community regarding potential actions near the synagogue, underscored by the recent arrest of a 61-year-old woman for allegedly inciting others to contravene the Public Order Act.

Further police investigations are underway to address similar allegations.

The PSC, however, maintains confidence that its supporters will comply with conditions in place.

Nevertheless, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan confirmed the deployment of over 1,100 officers on Saturday, including reinforcements from eight other forces, to ensure enforcement.

Clarifying the police stance, Mr. Adelekan rejected descriptions of a "ring of steel" around Broadcasting House, emphasizing instead the planned visible presence of officers aimed at engaging with the public and facilitating understanding of imposed conditions.

Mr. Adelekan reiterated the police's readiness to work with the PSC for future protests that avert serious disruptions.

Senior Conservative MP Bob Blackman expressed strong sentiments, arguing that those intentionally disobeying police orders by assembling near the synagogue should face stringent legal repercussions.

The Metropolitan Police, in its defense, stated that its decision took into account the synagogue congregation's concerns and the cumulative impact of ongoing protests on Saturdays.

Amid these challenges, the PSC's route proposals, which until recently involved ending the march at the BBC, were blocked by the Met.

The proposed adjustments were deemed by the police as still being prone to risks of significant disruption.

A new route was subsequently proposed, from Russell Square, ending at Whitehall for a static assembly.

In response, the PSC accused the authorities of imposing unjust restrictions.

"We reiterate our call for the police to lift the repressive restrictions they have imposed and allow us to march," a PSC statement read.

The police confirmed PSC's plans to assemble at Whitehall between midday and 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed ongoing concern regarding potential threats posed by such protests to synagogues, criticizing the police response as belated.

The Community Security Trust, which provides security for Jewish communities, assured that it has been working in close coordination with law enforcement to ensure the safety and continuation of community activities amid the protest activities.

As the situation evolves, it remains a focal point of public and press attention in London and beyond, reflecting broader tensions and debates surrounding freedom of assembly, public order, and community safety.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Europe Pursues Digital Autonomy Amidst Transatlantic Strains
OpenAI Lands Unprecedented $40 Billion Funding.
Charity Chairwoman Accuses Prince Harry of Bullying and Harassment
DOGE revealed that USAID provided $84 million to the Clinton Foundation. Of this amount, $3 million was spent on Chelsea Clinton's wedding, and $10 million was used to acquire a lavish mansion.
The State Department has announced the formal closure of USAID.
Apple's Innovation Deficit: Falling Behind in AI and Foldable Technology as Chinese Developments Progress
President Trump Proposes Military Intervention to Obtain Greenland
Passenger Taken into Custody After Engaging in Masturbation on SWISS Air Flight
Barcelona player Dani Alves found not guilty of rape accusations.
PUTIN'S LIMOUSINE DETONATES—SECURITY CHAOS ENSUES
French Foreign Ministry Denounces U.S. Interference in Corporate Diversity Initiatives
Copyright Issues Emerge as AI-Generated Studio Ghibli Images Gain Popularity
This is what we refer to as CREATIVITY.
Removing the Political Opponent Means Dismissing the Remnants of Turkey's Economy.
Malaysia Strengthens Semiconductor Regulations in Response to U.S. Pressure to Restrict AI NVIDIA Chip Exports to China.
OpenAI Launches New Image Generation Tool for ChatGPT
Ex-FIFA President and French Football Icon Acquitted of Corruption Allegations
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Under Investigation After Journalist Added to Secret Military Chat
Ex-Business Partner of Hunter Biden Discusses Possible Pardon from President Trump
U.S. Attorney General Announces Task Force to Prosecute Government Fraud
American Brands Face Consumer Boycott in Europe Amid Escalating Trade and Political Tensions
White House Investigates Security Breach After Journalist Accidentally Added to Secret Yemen Strike Chat
Samsung Executive Han Jong-hee Dies Suddenly Amid Ongoing Corporate Challenges
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has just signed off on a national debt hike to fast-track Germany’s militarization
Heathrow Airport Restarts Services as Investigation into Power Outage Commences
Pope Francis Released from Hospital Following Pneumonia Treatment
Pope Francis Appears in Public for the First Time in Five Weeks After His Hospital Stay
Usha Vance to Head U.S. Delegation During Greenland Visit Amid Discussions on Annexation
Trump suggests US could join British Commonwealth if offered by King Charles
Elon Musk Files Lawsuit Against Jamaal Bowman for Defamatory Remarks
European Countries to Boost Defense Expenditures in Response to Changes in U.S. Assistance
Iconic Boxer George Foreman Dies at 76
European Airline Shares Fall Following Disruption from Heathrow Power Outage
Pope Francis Set to Leave Hospital Following Recovery from Pneumonia
Thousands Take to the Streets in Amsterdam to Protest Racism and Fascism
Revealing the Electromagnetic Characteristics of the Great Pyramid of Giza
President Trump Cancels Security Clearances for Notable Political Figures.
The Development of China's Automotive Sector
Netanyahu Dismisses Shin Bet Chief Amid 'Loss of Trust' and 'Qatargate' Corruption Investigations Involving Netanyahu's Advisors
UK Conservatives Remain Optimistic Despite Polling Challenges
Labour MPs Unveil Initiative to Combat Harmful Influencers and Advocate for Healthy Masculinity
Miami Beach Mayor Cancels Plan to Expel Cinema Following Documentary Showing
Thousands of Drones Illuminate the Sky in Honor of Trump.
Leaders of the US and Ukraine Participate in Constructive Call During Ongoing Conflict
Elon Musk's X Experiences Valuation Recovery to $44 billion.
UK Government Set to Implement Major Budget Cuts in Spring Statement
US Federal Reserve Downgrades Economic Growth Outlook Due to Tariff Uncertainty
EU Claims US Tech Giants Have Violated Digital Regulations
Canada Denounces the Execution of Its Citizens in China Amid Rising Tensions
European Union Moves Toward Joint Debt for Military Spending
×