UK Police Urge Pro-Palestinian Students to Postpone Protest During Day of Mourning

The Metropolitan Police is urging organizers of a pro-Palestinian student march, scheduled for the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks on Israel, to postpone the event. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman stated that while the protest does not meet the legal threshold for a ban, many Londoners will be observing a day of mourning with vigils.

Harman explained that the force has been unable to identify the organizers of the group, known as the University of London Coalition. He noted that around 300 students are expected to march from King's College London to University College London. The protesters aim to call for an end to what they describe as a "genocide in Gaza."

"Serious concerns have been expressed about the impact of this march on students and staff, particularly those who are Jewish, the route, and the day it is being held," Harman said. He appealed to potential participants to "reflect on the impact and distress it will cause on this very significant day, and exercise your right to protest on a different date."

The police have written to four London universities, asking them to engage with their students and staff to ensure no one feels "excluded, targeted or unsafe" on their premises due to protest activities. The letters acknowledge the importance of freedom of expression but also reference findings from the Community Security Trust regarding a rise in antisemitic incidents at UK universities since the October 7th attacks.

A protest can only be banned if police believe it will lead to serious public disorder that cannot be prevented by restrictions, requiring home secretary approval. Harman indicated that this legal threshold has not been met. Static demonstrations cannot be banned, though conditions can be imposed.

If the march proceeds, police stated they will use their full powers to implement "appropriate conditions" on the route and timing. Any breaches of these conditions will result in arrest, with a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime. Despite extensive efforts, the police have been unable to identify the organizers of the march.

In the attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. This led to a significant Israeli military response in Gaza. A UN commission of inquiry concluded in June that Israel is committing genocide, a sentiment echoed by a September resolution from the International Association of Genocide Scholars.

Separate from this planned march, another pro-Palestinian protest is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, with an estimated 10,000 attendees, alongside a counter-protest that will be subject to strict conditions. Additionally, on Sunday, October 4, a march is expected to draw about 5,000 people to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street.

Harman identified these events, along with a by-election on October 8, as presenting significant policing challenges. He mentioned that three men were arrested recently following reports of "intimidating and obstructive conduct" during canvassing and clashes with protesters, emphasizing that police intervention is to prevent crime and disorder, not based on political preference.

The Metropolitan Police anticipates deploying over 600 officers to manage the various protests and events over the coming week. This mobilization has financial implications and draws officers away from regular duties across London.