London to be 'very busy' as pro-Palestine protest clashes with Winter Wonderland

Londoners can expect a bustling weekend as the city prepares for more than just the usual Black Friday shopper hustle and Winter Wonderland revelries, according to police. Demonstrators from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) are set to march from Park Lane to Whitehall on Saturday afternoon, marking their 21st protest since what they term as Israeli aggression in October 2023.

However, they'll be met with resistance; counter-protesters from the group Stop The Hate plan to congregate on Coventry Street, close to Piccadilly Circus, urging PSC demonstrators to "stop supporting terror". The call to action happens at a time when the Metropolitan Police reiterates a stark reminder: expressions of support for Hamas and Hezbollah, who the UK government lists as terrorist organisations, is illegal.

This encompasses activities such as chanting and displaying specific items with reference to these groups, including clothing, flags, and signs.

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Meanwhile, Scotland Yard alludes to one of the busiest shopping weekends before Christmas, with Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland attracting visitors nearby. While police have refrained from estimating protester numbers for the weekend, they indicate past demonstrations attracted "significant numbers".

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, at the forefront of the operation, conveyed: "Ahead of the weekend we have been in regular discussions with the PSC, counter-protesters Stop the Hate, as well as faith and community groups – particularly the Jewish community who we know continue to be impacted by protests – residents, and businesses."

"We expect this weekend to be very busy with many people shopping during the Black Friday sales, and visiting the capital ahead of the festive period, including Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park which is nearby."

"We have worked with organisers to seek to minimise disruption and balance the right to protest."

"Officers will be highly visible along the protest route and wider area to ensure the events take place safely and will deal with any offences."

PSC speeches will occur in Whitehall, and the assembly must finish by 4.30pm. The advocacy group, which has been at the forefront of organising pro-Palestine marches across the country, are demanding an end to "British complicity in Israel’s genocide and apartheid" of Gaza.

It comes after a truce between Israel and Iran-backed militants Hezbollah to suspend hostilities for 60 days was announced on Tuesday night, with both sides withdrawing from southern Lebanon. Last week, the International Criminal Court issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defence minister and Hamas’s military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

The UK would respect the process set out under domestic legislation when it comes to the arrest warrant, Downing Street said.