The Metropolitan Police Service is preparing for a busy weekend in the capital, with multiple protests and major public events set to take place across London.

On Saturday, large-scale demonstrations are expected in both Westminster and Tower Hamlets, prompting officers to implement a series of conditions under the Public Order Act to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.

A significant march, organised by groups under the Palestine Coalition banner, will assemble from midday near Green Park Station. Protesters are scheduled to set off at 1:00 p.m., marching through Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket, Cockspur Street and into Whitehall, where a rally will take place.

A counter-protest, led by the group Stop the Hate, will be held nearby on Coventry Street, just off Piccadilly Circus. Police have placed restrictions on both gatherings to maintain order and prevent tensions from escalating.

Elsewhere, a separate protest organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China will be held outside the Royal Mint near Tower Bridge. The demonstration, opposing plans for a new Chinese Embassy on the site, is expected to begin at 3:00 p.m. Following disruption during a similar protest in February, officers have preemptively issued conditions requiring demonstrators to remain within a designated area on Mansell Street.

In addition to the protests, tens of thousands of football fans are expected to descend on the city for Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. The Met has issued guidance for supporters, including details of dispersal orders and restrictions on alcohol consumption in certain areas.

Authorities have also advised that Trafalgar Square will be closed to the public on Saturday due to preparations for Sunday’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, marking a notable change from previous event weekends when the square served as a popular gathering point.

Public Order Conditions

Palestine Coalition Demonstration:

• Participants must not assemble before 12:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• Assembly areas are restricted to specified zones in Piccadilly and Whitehall.
• The march route must follow Piccadilly → Haymarket → Cockspur Street → Whitehall without deviation.
• The rally in Whitehall must conclude by 4:30 p.m..

Stop the Hate Counter-Protest:

• Participants must remain within the designated area on Coventry Street.

Proposed Chinese Embassy Protest:

• Participants must stay within the restricted protest area near Mansell Street, adjacent to the Royal Mint.

The Metropolitan Police continue to liaise with organisers and local authorities to manage the weekend’s events effectively. Officers have urged those attending to follow instructions and respect the conditions in place.

For further information and updates, members of the public are encouraged to visit the Met Police website or follow official social media channels.