Met Police Impose Restrictions Ahead of Weekend Protests Across Central London
The Metropolitan Police has announced a series of public order conditions ahead of multiple demonstrations expected across central London this weekend, in a bid to prevent serious disruption and ensure public safety.
As part of a city-wide policing operation, officers will be highly visible across Westminster and other parts of London, with a particular focus on Russell Square, Whitehall, and Swiss Cottage.
Conditions on Friday Evening’s IJAN Protest
A demonstration planned by the International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network (IJAN) for Friday evening has been restricted under the Public Order Act, following months of weekly protests in Swiss Cottage since October 2023.
“Recognising the cumulative impact of weekly protests and the heightened fear within London’s Jewish communities, a review was conducted,” the Met said. “As a result, conditions have been imposed preventing assembly in the designated area.”
Participants who breach the restricted zone outlined on the police map risk enforcement action.
Saturday’s ‘For the Children’ Protest: Route and Assembly Limits
The ‘For the Children’ march, scheduled for Saturday afternoon, will begin at Russell Square, proceeding through Southampton Row, Kingsway, and the Strand, before ending in Whitehall.
Met Police have mandated the following restrictions:
- Participants must remain in a designated assembly area prior to the procession.
- The march must follow the approved route only.
- The final assembly in Whitehall must end by 17:30hrs.
- The protest stage must be set up within a marked zone outlined by police.
Counter-Protest by Stand Up To Racism
A counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism will take place simultaneously at the south end of Whitehall (Parliament Street). The Met has similarly imposed the following conditions:
- Protesters must remain within a specified area.
- The event’s stage must be placed in a designated location marked in dark blue.
- The assembly must conclude by 15:00hrs.
Police Statement
A Met spokesperson said:
“We have taken these steps under the Public Order Act to ensure everyone’s right to protest is balanced against our duty to prevent serious disruption to the wider community. Officers will continue to engage with organisers and attendees to facilitate peaceful protest within the bounds of the law.”
The force confirmed that public safety remains the priority and warned that breaches of imposed conditions could lead to arrest or other enforcement action.
Guidance for Attendees
Attendees are urged to check Met Police maps for route and boundary information, and to follow police instructions on the day. The public is advised to plan travel accordingly, with potential delays and road closures expected in and around central London.
For live updates and maps, visit Met Police Public Order News
