London police: We cannot prevent a pro-Palestinian protest on October 7

London police clarify they cannot prevent a pro-Palestinian protest planned for October 7, and urge organizers to change the date. Police Commissioner James Harman calls on organizers to make contact and plan an alternative date, warning that if the protest takes place, police will enforce order. Harman notes a rise in antisemitic incidents at universities and emphasizes their responsibility to protect Jewish students.

London police issued a statement clarifying they cannot prevent a pro-Palestinian protest planned for October 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack. Instead, police urge organizers to change the date, noting that for many city residents it is a day of mourning. Metropolitan Police Commissioner James Harman addressed the organizers, stating that attempts to locate them have failed, and called on them to urgently make contact. Harman warned that if the protest takes place, police will enforce order and monitor the event. He emphasized that against the backdrop of a significant rise in antisemitic incidents at UK universities since October 2023, universities have a responsibility to ensure Jewish students and staff can study and work without intimidation or harassment. Police noted that under the law, they lack authority to ban protests, only to impose restrictive conditions. Since October 2023, London police have made over 17,000 arrests for hate crimes, but did not specify how many were antisemitic.