London Police Cannot Prevent October 7 Pro-Palestinian Demonstration

London's Metropolitan Police announced they cannot prevent a pro-Palestinian demonstration scheduled for October 7, a date described as "a day of mourning" for many residents. The police urged the organizers, identified as the "London Universities Coalition," to postpone the event. Metropolitan Police Commander James Harman stated that attempts to locate the organizers to request a date change have been difficult, and he is now appealing to them directly to reschedule.

Harman warned that if the protest proceeds, the police "will have no choice but to enforce order and monitor the event." He also highlighted concerns about academic freedom in light of a significant rise in antisemitic incidents on UK university campuses since October 2023. The police emphasized universities' responsibility to ensure Jewish students and staff can study and work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or discrimination.

Under UK law, police do not require permission for demonstrations and cannot refuse them, though they can impose conditions under the Public Order Act. Harman indicated that if a severe breach of public order is anticipated, the police might request the Home Secretary to issue a ban on marching, but static demonstrations cannot be prevented. The police plan to issue conditions for the pro-Palestinian march and stated that anyone violating them, or encouraging others to do so, could face arrest, with a zero-tolerance policy for hate crimes and other offenses.

Since October 2023, the Metropolitan Police have made over 17,000 arrests for hate crimes, though the number specifically related to antisemitism was not provided.