Met Police restrict protests outside JW3 centre on Finchley Road
Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 authorises removal of face coverings and limits demonstrations after complaints of harassment in October 2024
The Metropolitan Police announced a designated protest restriction around JW3, a Jewish community centre on Finchley Road in Hampstead, on Sunday 25 October 2026. The order applies to the immediate vicinity of the venue and is intended to prevent intimidation and disruption to local users of the centre.
Background to the restriction
In October 2024, pro‑Palestine demonstrators gathered outside JW3 during an event on Israel and the Middle East. Attendees, including elderly members of the Jewish community, reported being harassed as they entered the building. Police recorded at least one arrest during that protest, and the incident generated formal complaints of intimidation.
Legal powers used
The restriction is authorised under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026. That provision allows officers to require the removal of a face covering if they reasonably believe it is being worn mainly to conceal identity. Officers may also seize the covering as part of the enforcement action.
“"We are acting to prevent intimidation and disruption to the local community," said a Metropolitan Police spokesperson, as reported by This Is Local London.”
What residents can expect
People planning to demonstrate near JW3 must now seek permission from the police or risk being asked to leave the area. If an officer determines a face covering is being used to hide identity, they can order its removal on the spot and keep it for the duration of the incident. Failure to comply may result in a fixed‑penalty notice or further legal action.
Local residents who feel the restriction infringes on lawful protest have been advised to contact Barnet Council’s community liaison team for advice. The council has not issued a separate statement, but the Metropolitan Police indicated the measure will be reviewed after the scheduled events conclude.
Questions this report answers
01What restrictions have been placed on protests outside JW3?
The Metropolitan Police have designated a protest restriction around JW3 on Finchley Road, effective from 25 October 2026. The order limits demonstrations in the immediate area and allows officers to intervene if they believe intimidation is occurring.
02What powers does Section 158 give police at the JW3 site?
Under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026, officers may require anyone wearing a face covering for the purpose of concealing identity to remove it. They may also seize the covering and issue penalties for non‑compliance.
03What happened during the October 2024 protest at JW3?
In October 2024, pro‑Palestine demonstrators assembled outside JW3 during an event on Israel and the Middle East. Attendees reported harassment, especially elderly visitors, and police made at least one arrest. The incident prompted formal complaints and led to the current restriction.
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