Hundreds attend pro-Palestinian rally in London despite government ban

LONDON: Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in London on Sunday for an annual pro-Palestinian rally, despite a government ban on the march. The event, organised by a group described by police as “supportive of the Iranian regime,” was prohibited by the government following concerns about potential public disorder amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood stated earlier in the week that she approved the ban to “prevent serious public disorder” in light of recent developments, including Iran’s retaliatory strikes following a US-Israeli offensive. This marks the first time since 2012 that a protest march has been banned in the British capital. However, the Metropolitan Police allowed a static demonstration to proceed.

To maintain order, police kept pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counter-protesters separated by directing them to opposite sides of the River Thames, near the UK parliament. Pro-Palestinian participants were instructed to gather on the south side of the river, where they waved flags and voiced their support for the Palestinian cause.

During the event, police arrested one protester for refusing to remove a face covering, in accordance with regulations. The annual Al Quds Day event, which has been held in London for several years, continued under heightened security measures this year due to the government’s concerns about links to the Iranian regime and the broader context of Middle East hostilities.

The demonstration took place peacefully overall, with a visible police presence ensuring that both groups remained apart and that the ban on marching was enforced. The government’s decision to restrict the march reflects ongoing sensitivities regarding protests related to the Middle East conflict and the involvement of groups with alleged ties to foreign governments.