A locally-led policing plan is in place across London this weekend, with further protests expected.
There are no plans for any standalone central London demonstrations of the sort seen over the past two months, however a number of smaller events are planned.
This is similar to the approach taken by protest organisers two weeks ago when we saw turnouts in the hundreds at events in a number of boroughs.
On Saturday, we are expecting protests in around 13 boroughs. These will be a mixture of static rallies and short processions.
Each event will be locally-policed, with additional officers from our pan-London public order policing teams available to provide support as required.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, Gold Commander for the weekend, said: “We know that the impact of the conflict in the Middle East continues to be felt here in London, in particular by Jewish and Muslim communities.
“The ceasefire that has held for the past week has now ended which will renew concerns and fears in those communities most directly affected.
“Officers will keep this in mind as we approach another weekend of protest. While the scale of the events will be reduced in comparison to previous weeks, our policing approach to protest will be unchanged.
“We will continue to recognise the right to protest however that must be done lawfully.
“Officers will approach these events with a positive and decisive attitude, we will not hesitate to take action where antisocial behaviour, hate crime or expressions of support for proscribed organisations take place.
“We are taking a locally-led approach but we have put plans in place that mean there are plenty of additional resources available to support officers if needed.”
In addition to the locally-led events related to the conflict in the Middle East, we are also preparing for the possibility of further Just Stop Oil (JSO) protest activity.
Since the start of their latest campaign of disruption on 30 October, we have arrested JSO activists on 649 occasions, with 338 charges secured so far.
Should the group attempt to cause serious disruption or damage this weekend, we will intervene swiftly and make further arrests as required.
Officers will also be on duty in communities across London, responding to 999 calls and providing a reassuring presence, particularly in Jewish or Muslim communities where we know residents continue to experience increased uncertainty and fear in light of events in the Middle East, and their impact here in London.
