- The Metropolitan police face accusations of favoring a far-right rally over a Palestinian march.
- Various artists and politicians signed a letter demanding the police reverse this decision.
- Police claim route choices are based on crowd size and safety rather than politics.
The Metropolitan police are under fire for alleged preferential treatment toward a far-right event. Critics claim the force favored a rally led by Tommy Robinson over a pro-Palestine march. Both events are scheduled for May 16 in London, but they face different restrictions.
A group of figures, including Annie Lennox and Miriam Margolyes, signed an open letter. This group includes MPs, academics, and trade union leaders who want the decision overturned. They argue the political heart of London was given to a hate march.
The pro-Palestine group requested a specific route for their Nakba commemoration on December 18. However, the police rejected this, while allowing the far-right to use Whitehall and Trafalgar Square. Organizers now fear for the safety of their participants.
A spokesperson for the Met stated that safety and security drive decisions. They argued that the far-right event would attract very significant crowds. Because of this, they believe Whitehall is the most suitable location for such a large group.
This controversy occurs alongside reports of increasing repression of solidarity marches. Police previously threatened arrests for specific chants to protect Jewish communities. Meanwhile, more than 30 MPs oppose new government rules regarding the cumulative impact of protests.
Separately, police expect criminal offenses during a demonstration at Trafalgar Square regarding Palestine Action. This follows a legal battle over the group’s proscription. The High Court ruled the ban unlawful, but the government is currently appealing.
