London Police Warn Protesters Against Covering Faces Amid Planned Demonstrations

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators are expected to march through central London today, with police issuing warnings that individuals covering their faces could face arrest. The demonstration, organized by the Palestine Coalition, takes place days after the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks.

The Metropolitan Police have implemented conditions on the march and a counter-protest to mitigate the risk of serious disruption. Officials anticipate between 7,000 and 10,000 participants for the pro-Palestine march, which is scheduled to gather at Embankment and conclude by 6:30 p.m. Speeches and music must end by 5:30 p.m.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin stated that the event, occurring so close to the anniversary of the attacks on Israel, has the potential for a greater impact on communities compared to previous national marches. He emphasized that the police presence will be significant and that powers under the Public Order Act will be utilized, requiring individuals to remove face coverings if they are deliberately concealing their identity. Refusal to do so could lead to arrest.

"We will also be using powers under the Public Order Act requiring anyone in the protest area wearing face coverings to deliberately conceal their identity to remove them," Galvin said. "And we will do so if we see groups of people who refuse and are covering their faces with the intention to hide their identity, intimidate and commit offences. That is unacceptable."

Officers will assess individual cases to determine the reason for wearing a mask and respond accordingly, he added.

The Palestine Coalition includes groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Stop the War, CND, Muslim Association of Britain, Friends of Al Aqsa, and Palestinian Forum in Britain.

A counter-protest organized by Stop The Hate is also scheduled to take place outside New Scotland Yard. Police have imposed conditions on this demonstration as well, requiring participants to remain within a designated area, with the assembly concluding at 2:30 p.m.

A National March for Palestine was also anticipated in Edinburgh on the same day.