London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Roughly 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters have started marching through central London, with a “significant” policing operation in place across London as circumstances observe the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel.
Activists assembled in Bedford Square ahead of a scheduled march to Russell Square amid a heavy police company. According to organisers, the objective is to “target” companies and institutions they state are “complicit in Israel’s crimes”, including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.
The demonstrators stopped Tottenham Court Road by gathering outside a Barclays bank just after midday, with a sign held near the door reading: “Shame on those who looked away from the sadistic genocide of mainly children in Gaza and the West Bank.”
A short while later they stopped at Gower Street near the British Museum and police emerged to form a line to stop the group from meeting up with another group of activists in Russell Square. In Bedford Square, some were holding Lebanese and Iranian flags and flags stating “We do not stand with genocide” and “Zionism is racism”, with many vocalising “Free, free Palestine”.
A protest head told activists: “We don’t confront the police and don’t engage counter-protesters. We certainly don’t talk to the blue bibs. We do not talk or interact with the police. If I am apprehended, no comment. If I am arrested, no caution. If I am arrested, no duty solicitor. We are secure when we are together. Only we can keep each other safe.”
This was followed by chants of: “When Palestine is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back. When Lebanon is under attack. What do we do? Stand up. Fight back.”
How are the police responding to the demonstrators’ actions?
A “significant” policing procedure is in place across London in response to scheduled protest and memorial events, the Metropolitan Police expressed. A memorial event will be held in Hyde Park, managed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the Jewish Leadership Council and other groups.
The force stated it was unaware of any significant public occasions taking place, the anniversary of the attacks. Commander Lou Puddefoot, who is overseeing the operation, said the force had policed prior protests “without fear or favour”.
“Protests and affiliated events have become a feature of the 12 months since the awful terrorist attacks in Israel almost a year ago,” she expressed. “We have policed them without worry or favour, ensuring that lawful demonstration has been allowed to take place but interfering where the line has been crossed into criminality.”