The Metropolitan Police has outlined its plans for a busy weekend of demonstrations, public events, and football crowds, with reinforcements drafted from other forces across the country to maintain order and public safety across the capital.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the public order operation, described the coming days as “particularly busy,” adding:
“Our role remains to police without fear or favour, enforce the law, prevent serious disorder and disruption, and ensure public safety.”
Friday 8 August
- Asylum Hotel Protests: Officers are deployed near asylum accommodation in Islington and Canary Wharf, where protest and counter-protest activity is anticipated.
- Pro-Gaza Demonstrations: Local protests against Israeli military action are expected in Tower Hamlets, Putney, and Westminster — the latter being the site of 36 arrests last week during an IJAN-organised protest.
Saturday 9 August
- Palestine Coalition National March:
- Organised by groups including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War, the march will go from Russell Square to Whitehall.
- Public Order Act conditions under Section 14(3) have been imposed: Participants must remain within a designated area and not begin forming up before 12 noon.
- Defend Our Juries Protest – Parliament Square:
- Protesters are expected to intentionally breach the law by displaying signs supporting Palestine Action, a proscribed group.
- Over 100 arrests have been made at similar previous events.
- DAC Adelekan warned:
“Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested… an arrest under the Terrorism Act has very real long-term implications.”
Sunday 10 August
- FA Community Shield at Wembley:
- Match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace. Police anticipate gatherings of Crystal Palace fans in central London pre-match. Officers will be on standby for incidents.
- ‘National March for the Hostages’:
- Organised by Stop the Hate and various Jewish organisations, the 3pm event in central London will be subject to a full security and policing operation.
- Canary Wharf Protests Resume:
- Officers will again be on scene to manage potential protest-counter protest tensions around hotels housing asylum seekers.
Policing Powers & Public Order
The Met confirmed that it may use Public Order Act powers to:
- Restrict routes and locations
- Set protest times
- Prevent serious disruption
Further protest conditions may be imposed and will be communicated via the Met’s official X account (@metpoliceuk).
Final Remarks
DAC Adelekan assured the public:
“While the scale of the operation will stretch resources, Londoners can be confident that we will continue to police all 32 boroughs, respond to emergencies, and keep communities safe.”
