What protests are in London this weekend as pro-Palestine rally planned
Thousands are to protest in central London once more this weekend in support of Palestinian causes.
Palestinian medics claimed that several houses were hit by airstrikes across the Gaza Strip as people slept, and a number of women and children have been confirmed among the dead.
Gaza’s few remaining hospitals counted dozens of fatalities each as the strip’s dwindling health systems struggled to cope with an influx of injured Palestinians and grieving families with nowhere to go.
“Israel has renewed its genocidal assault on Gaza,” a statement from Palestine Solidarity Campaign read.
“We must take action for Palestine now. Join us outside the Israeli embassy as we demand they end the genocide now.”
Thousands have taken part in the marches over the past 18 months
Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire
The campaign group has put on many marches in London since the war between Hamas and Israel began in October 2023.
In previous marches, the Metropolitan Police have provided officers to keep the peace and the campaigners on their agreed route.
It has not been reported if a counter protest will be held against the PSC’s action this weekend.
Stop The Hate UK, a pro-Israel group that has previously clashed with the pro-Palestine group, has not made any plans public. It will, however, hold a march on Sunday in central London called Free London From Extremism.
“As British citizens, we object to those whose sole goal is to undermine the very bedrock of our society,” a statement read.
The Met Police has said it has imposed conditions on the marchers.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who is leading the policing operation in London for Sunday, said: “We are expecting this to be a busy weekend in London and have carefully considered the impact of the different protests, and counter protest, on communities across London.
“We are confident that appropriate measures are in place to prevent serious disruption and ensure the events takes place peacefully.
“In recent months we have imposed conditions on protests in Portland Place. We have recognised the impact when these protests have been scheduled for a Saturday, considering the proximity to a nearby synagogue, the significance of the Sabbath for Jewish people and the need to avoid serious disruption to synagogue users.
“We were clear that this was not an outright ban on protests in Portland Place and recognised that our approach on other days of the week was likely to differ. We assess every event individually balancing individual rights, the legal framework and likely impact. Steps have been taken to minimise any disruption to the wider community including religious premises.
“We are in discussions with community stakeholders, representatives from relevant premises and with the organisers. Our role is to police this event, as we do other protests, without fear or favour and within the legal framework available to us.”
What protests are taking place this weekend in London?
Palestine Solidarity Campaign will gather on Saturday March 22, outside the Israeli embassy in Palace Green, London from 12.30pm.
Its website said the action will be from 12.30pm until 5pm. It is understood there will not be any march and that the action will be contained.
Stop The Hate UK is set to meet at Oxford Circus at 2.30pm on Sunday March 23 for its Free London From Extremism action. The group has not stated what this rally will involve or if people will be marching.
