Palestine march to bring 10,000 protesters to Whitehall

Central London anticipates the arrival of approximately 10,000 protesters for the National March for Palestine on Saturday, October 10. The demonstration, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, is set to begin at Victoria Embankment and culminate in a rally at Whitehall.

March Details and Route

The march is scheduled to commence at midday and conclude at 5pm. Protesters will gather near Northumberland Avenue on the Embankment, with the Trade Union Bloc assembling near Cleopatra's Needle. The procession will proceed through central London, taking a route along the South Bank to Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, and the Strand, before reaching its endpoint in Whitehall. Organisers are calling for an immediate cessation of military action in Gaza, a complete halt to UK arms exports to Israel, and the implementation of sanctions. Coaches are arranged from various UK cities to transport demonstrators to the capital.

Police Response and Conditions

The Metropolitan Police has announced that it will impose specific conditions on the march concerning its timing, route, and assembly points. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated that several hundred officers will be deployed to manage the event. He indicated that legal conditions under the Public Order Act would be communicated before the weekend. Mr Harman noted that while the majority of attendees at previous protests have acted peacefully, a small minority have led to arrests for offences including racially and religiously aggravated public order offences, stirring up racial hatred, and supporting terrorist organisations. The police reiterated their stance on chants and banners that could incite hatred or indicate support for terrorism, stating that arrests will be made for such offences.

Mr Harman added, "We have arrested and charged individuals for calling for an intifada at protests, with those cases working their way through the courts." He confirmed that officers would take firm action against antisemitism, anti-Muslim abuse, incitement to violence, and language supporting terrorists or proscribed groups. Specialist investigators will work to present cases to the Crown Prosecution Service for swift court appearances.