The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has said he cannot ban a pro-Palestinian protest on Armistice Day.
Despite the Prime Minister saying that the planned protest should not go ahead, Sir Mark Rowley said that a march could only be banned in extreme circumstances and “the law provides no mechanism to ban a gathering, a static protest.”
Rishi Sunak has written to Scotland Yard outlining the laws that could be used to prevent a march.
But Sir Mark said there needed to be a realistic “threat of serious disorder” in order for the police to apply to the Home Secretary for a banning order and intelligence on the demonstration planned for 11 Nov does not currently meet the threshold.
Organisers of Saturday’s event have said they have no intention of calling it off despite concerns that it will cause offence to millions who intend to commemorate Armistice Day.
‘Laws created by Parliament are clear’
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Sir Mark insisted police would do everything in their power to ensure that Remembrance commemorations pass off without disruption.
Explaining the Met’s position, he said: “The reason we have an independent police service is so that among debate, opinion, emotion and conflict, we stand in the centre, focused simply on the law and the facts in front of us.
“The laws created by Parliament are clear. There is no absolute power to ban protests, therefore there will be a protest this weekend.
“The law provides no mechanism to ban a static gathering of people. It contains legislation which allows us to impose conditions to reduce disruption and the risk of violence, and in the most extreme cases, when no other tactics can work, for marches or moving protests to be banned.
“Many have called for us to use this power to ban a planned march by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign on Saturday.
“But the use of this power is incredibly rare and must be based on intelligence which suggests there will be a real threat of serious disorder and no other way for police to manage the event. The last time it was used was over a decade ago.
“Over recent weeks, we’ve seen an escalation of violence and criminality by small groups attaching themselves to demonstrations, despite some key organisers working positively with us.
“But at this time, the intelligence surrounding the potential for serious disorder this weekend does not meet the threshold to apply for a ban.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
