Met Police imposes strict conditions on central London student march

The Metropolitan Police has imposed strict conditions on a planned pro-Palestine student march scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, in central London. The force has warned that individuals violating these regulations risk being arrested. The demonstration is set to commence with participants gathering at Lincoln’s Inn Fields before proceeding to Russell Square for a rally.

March Regulations and Route

Under the Public Order Act, protesters are required to assemble in a designated area within Lincoln’s Inn Fields by 12:30pm. They must then follow a specific route, which includes Remnant Street, Kingsway, and Southampton Row, leading to Russell Square. The rally at Russell Square must conclude by 2pm, after which all participants are expected to disperse. A further condition prohibits the wearing of face coverings that conceal a person's identity during the assembly, march, and rally.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman, responsible for Met Operations including public order policing, noted the timing of the demonstration on the third anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack. He stated that the event would be a day of mourning for many and acknowledged the significant concerns raised by Jewish communities. Harman added that the conditions were implemented to help manage the event and minimise serious disruption.

DAC Harman clarified that the police cannot ban protests outright but can request a ban from the Home Secretary only if the risk of serious disorder is too high to be managed through conditions. He stated this high threshold had not been met in this instance. The Met also addressed concerns regarding the identification of protest organisers, noting that while organisers are legally required to provide their details, the force could identify groups through social media. Failure to identify an individual organiser, by itself, did not meet the legal criteria for a ban, Harman explained.

Separate Protest at Marble Arch

The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that conditions would be imposed on a separate student protest planned for Marble Arch on October 7, between 1pm and 4pm. These conditions will require the protest to take place away from the immediate Marble Arch area. The force cited previous instances where conditions were placed on gatherings at Marble Arch due to the impact on individuals attending nearby synagogues, particularly on Saturdays. While this protest is not on a Saturday, the anniversary of October 7 was deemed a foreseeable time when congregants might attend synagogue.