London police urge pro-Palestine march to reschedule from October 7 anniversary

Key points

• Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman urged organizers of the University of London Coalition to move their pro-Palestinian march from October 7 to a different date.
• Harman stated the march does not meet the strict legal threshold for a ban but will be subject to 'full powers' and conditions if it proceeds.
• The march is expected to draw around 300 students, starting at King's College London and ending at University College London.
• Police have written to four London universities to ensure students do not feel 'excluded, targeted or unsafe,' citing a rise in antisemitic incidents at UK universities since 2023.
• The Met expects over 600 officers to be involved in policing various protests and events in the coming week, including a larger pro-Palestinian demonstration on October 10 and a counter-protest.
• Harman noted that police were unable to identify the organizers behind the University of London Coalition despite formal and informal efforts.

Background

This development follows a series of pro-Palestinian protests and related controversies in the UK and internationally, including a recent protest outside an Ed Sheeran concert in Philadelphia and a backlash over Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks. In the UK, there have been concerns about rising antisemitic incidents at universities since the 2023 attacks in Israel. The Met Police have also been involved in other protest-related incidents, such as the Dover port disruption in September 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The BBC reports that Met Police are urging the move of the October 7 march due to the distress it would cause on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks, while acknowledging the right to protest. The Jerusalem Post highlights a similar controversy in Canada, where the University of Toronto is facing criticism for allowing a pro-Palestinian vigil on October 7, with critics arguing it glorifies terrorism and intimidates Jewish students. The Telegraph and The Australian sources are inaccessible due to bot challenges, so their perspectives cannot be compared. The BBC emphasizes the police's commitment to balancing freedom of expression with public safety, while the Jerusalem Post focuses on the perceived glorification of violence and the need for universities to protect Jewish students.

Why it matters

The Met Police's decision to urge the rescheduling of the October 7 march highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests in the UK, particularly on the anniversary of the Hamas attacks. The police's emphasis on ensuring the safety of Jewish students and the potential for strict conditions on the march reflect the broader concerns about antisemitism and public order. The deployment of over 600 officers for various protests in the coming week underscores the significant resources and attention being devoted to managing these events, which could have implications for public safety and the balance between freedom of expression and public order.

What to watch

The Met Police will monitor the situation and enforce conditions if the October 7 march proceeds. The police will also be involved in policing a larger pro-Palestinian demonstration on October 10 and a counter-protest, as well as a march in Whitechapel on October 4 to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street. The Met expects to deploy over 600 officers for these events, which could impact day-to-day policing in London. The police will also continue to engage with universities to ensure student safety and address any concerns related to antisemitic incidents.