REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · UK
Home secretary approves Met ban on Al Quds Day march
Change
The home secretary approved the Metropolitan Police's request to ban the Al Quds Day march in London on Sunday.
Why it matters
The Metropolitan Police requested the ban to prevent "serious public disorder" given the conflict in the Middle East. The Met cited concerns about a high number of protesters and counter-protesters and described the organisers as supportive of the Iranian regime. The Islamic Human Rights Commission, which organises the annual march, said it will hold a static pro-Palestinian demonstration instead. This is the first time a protest march has been banned since 2012 and the Met said it had not taken the decision lightly.
Implications
- • The planned procession along the route is prohibited.
- • Organisers are restricted to a stationary demonstration rather than a march.
- • Police can impose strict conditions on the static protest and enforce them.
- • Participants who breach imposed conditions face enforcement actions.
Who is affected
- • Home Office officials
- • Metropolitan Police operational commanders
- • Event organisers (Islamic Human Rights Commission)
- • Attending protesters and counter-protesters
What to watch
- • Sunday (planned march day)
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Security & Defense Human Rights