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The UK government has officially banned this year’s Al Quds Day march in London after police warned that the demonstration could trigger serious public disorder. The decision was approved by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following a formal request from the Metropolitan Police Service.
The annual march, which is organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, was scheduled to take place in central London on Sunday as part of international demonstrations marking Al Quds Day. Authorities said the ban was necessary due to the scale of the event and the potential for clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters.
Government Justifies Decision
In a statement, Mahmood said the ban was required to prevent violence and disorder.
She explained that the decision came after careful consideration of police intelligence and the current geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
According to the Home Secretary, the combination of the ongoing regional conflict and planned counter-protests created a high risk of confrontation in London. She emphasized that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, authorities must act when public safety is threatened.
Mahmood also warned that if a stationary protest goes ahead instead of a march, police will impose strict conditions and take action against anyone promoting hatred or division.
Controversy Around the March
The Al Quds march has been controversial in recent years. Critics claim that some participants have shown support for groups linked to Iran, including the militant organization Hezbollah, which is banned in the UK as a terrorist organization.
In previous demonstrations, police reported arrests related to alleged support for terrorist organizations and antisemitic hate speech.
These concerns have increased pressure from both Labour and Conservative politicians to stop the march this year.
Organisers Condemn the Ban
The Islamic Human Rights Commission strongly criticized the decision, describing it as politically motivated and an attack on civil liberties.
In a statement, the organization said the march has taken place peacefully for more than four decades and accused authorities of abandoning the principle of neutral policing.
The group confirmed that it is seeking legal advice and plans to hold a stationary protest instead, which cannot legally be banned under UK law.
A spokesperson for the IHRC said the decision represented a setback for freedom of expression and the right to protest.
Police Cite Rising Tensions
The Metropolitan Police defended the decision, saying it was based solely on risk assessments related to this year’s event.
Officials described the current international situation as “uniquely complex” and warned that multiple counter-protests could lead to violent clashes.
While the march itself has been banned, police said they will still allow a static protest under strict conditions, although tensions could still lead to confrontations.
Rare Use of Protest Ban
The decision marks the first time a protest march in London has been banned since 2012, highlighting the seriousness of the authorities’ concerns about potential unrest.
With strong opinions on both sides of the issue, Sunday’s demonstration is expected to remain a highly sensitive event in the UK capital.
