Please find below an update from the Metropolitan Police on their operations in London this weekend, specifically concerning Armistice Day commemorations and pro-Palestine demonstrations.
This is an update on the Met’s plans for policing the capital this weekend, specifically the Policing Plan covering events in relation to Armistice and Remembrance Days, marches and local community events.
- Throughout Saturday and Sunday almost 2,000 officers from the Met and other UK forces will be on duty across central London as part of a major policing operation. This weekend is one of national significance and importance. The ceremonial events taking place will draw thousands as the country reflects and pays its respects.
- Each year we deliver a huge security operation across Remembrance weekend, but this year’s is far greater and more complex than we’ve delivered before. The plan covers both Armistice and Remembrance events as well as a significant march by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
- We know the cumulative impact continued protest, increasing tensions, and rising hate crimes are having across London and the fear and anxiety our Jewish communities in particular are feeling. They have a right to feel safe in their city, knowing know they can travel across London without feeling afraid of intimidation or harassment.
- Recognising the concern across London, the scale of the policing operation in place represents a doubling of the number of officers on duty for the weekend’s events. On Saturday 1,850 will be on duty and 1,375 on Sunday.
Events in Central London on Saturday and Sunday
- We’ll be using an extensive set of powers to prevent any disruption whatsoever to remembrance events, policing the demonstration as it passes through parts of the capital, while protecting our communities from those intent on inciting hate, violence and disorder.
- The powers we’ve put in place enable us to more quickly and robustly identify and arrest those seeking to use these events to commit crime or cause disorder.
- During protests since the attacks on 7 October we’ve seen small groups break away from planned events. Their behaviour has been escalating and becoming more violent and distressing to the public. Over the last four major events we have made more than 100 arrests for offences including supporting proscribed organisations and serious hate crime.
- Each week we’ve developed our tactics to more quickly deal with anyone committing crime locally in our communities and at significant events. Our operation covers every element of this weekend and will continue to develop as we gather intelligence and learn of new issues.
Poppy Sellers
- Concerns have been raised about the safety of poppy sellers at stations and other busy venues. Alongside our colleagues at the British Transport Police we have been clear that no intimidation of those who so generously give up their time for this treasured national cause will be tolerated. Officers know the risk felt by sellers and should be sought out by anyone concerned throughout the weekend.
Local Policing
- While this operation is delivered in central London, officers will remain out and about across the capital, recognising the real and damaging impact the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to have on communities here in London.
- Officers will be visiting busy areas and locations of significance, and providing support and reassurance to those we know are greatly concerned about travelling to places of worship at this time of great uncertainty and tension.
An experienced public order command team will be in place across the weekend, led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor on Saturday and T/Commander Karen Findlay on Sunday.
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