London Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley announced on Wednesday that the police would not have the legal authority to prohibit a pro-Palestinian march scheduled for November 11, Remembrance Day.
Rowley clarified that even though UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman had condemned the planned march, there was no existing legal instrument to ban it.
He mentioned that in the event that intelligence and circumstances evolve significantly over the next few days, reaching a threshold that rarely occurs, they might consider seeking permission from the Home Secretary to ban the march. However, this would be considered a last resort that they haven’t reached at the moment.
Rowley emphasized that the law doesn’t offer a means to ban a stationary protest or gathering. However, in extreme cases, a march can be banned if it transforms into a rally.
Sunak and Braverman expressed concerns that any protest on November 11 could lead to the defacement of memorials such as the Cenotaph.
In response, the organizers assured that the protest would be held at a considerable distance from the monument and would commence only after the customary 11 a.m. pause to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in wars.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign reportedly pledged to collaborate with the London police to ensure public safety during the event.
Remembrance Day, observed in the United Kingdom on the second Sunday of November, is a national occasion dedicated to commemorating the military personnel who have given their lives in wars and military conflicts since the First World War.
