Met Police Outline Strategy for Upcoming Weekend Protests
The Metropolitan Police will deploy a significant presence in Westminster on Saturday, 28 March. Two large marches will converge on Whitehall, followed by a timed rally.
Routes and timings
The Palestine Coalition march forms at the south end of Exhibition Road from midday. Its march must begin by 12:30.
- Route: Exhibition Road, Cromwell Gardens, Thurloe Place.
- Route continued: Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner.
- Route continued: Piccadilly, Regent Street St James’s, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street, Whitehall.
The Together Alliance march will form in Park Lane from midday. It must start by 12:45.
- Route: Park Lane to Hyde Park Corner.
- Route continued: Piccadilly, Regent Street St James’s, Pall Mall.
- Route continued: Cockspur Street into Whitehall for the rally.
Public order conditions and dispersal powers
The Met Police Outline Strategy for Upcoming Weekend Protests sets form-up zones, fixed routes and finish times. The Whitehall rally must end by 17:00.
Section 35 dispersal orders will operate between 09:00 and 23:00 on Saturday. Two dispersal areas will be enforced across central Westminster.
- People may be asked to leave if their behaviour alarms or harasses the public.
- Removal can also follow if behaviour contributes to crime or disorder in the area.
Form-up restrictions near Exhibition Road and Park Lane
Participants in the Palestine Coalition march must remain south of the junction with Prince Consort Gardens. This form-up point sits approximately half a mile from a nearby synagogue.
Those joining the Together Alliance show must form up in the designated Park Lane area. Organisers and participants must not deviate from the conditioned routes and areas.
Policing leadership and community reassurance
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell will lead the policing operation. He said detailed plans are in place to enable lawful protest and limit disruption.
Officers have been briefed to spot behaviour that crosses into criminality, including hate crimes. Additional officers will patrol areas with significant Jewish communities.
- Specialist units will work alongside local teams.
- Cooperation with the Community Security Trust is in place for reassurance and prevention.
Other protests this weekend
There will also be protests against the Iranian regime in Westminster. These include both static assemblies and marches on Saturday and Sunday.
Police will apply the same public order conditions to those events. Dispersal powers may be used if required to prevent disorder.
Filmogaz.com will continue to report updates as the situation develops.
