Full Breakdown
Metropolitan Police Urge Rescheduling of Pro-Palestinian Student March on October 7
By Drooid · · How we work
Background and Timing
A student coalition calling itself the University of London Coalition plans a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Wednesday, October 7—the third anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. The march is slated to start at noon from King’s College London in the Strand and finish at University College London in Holborn.
Police Concerns and Planned Response
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the Metropolitan Police have been unable to identify a single responsible organiser for the coalition. He warned that the chosen date and route could distress Jewish students and staff who will be observing a day of mourning. Harman noted that police have written to four London universities, urging them to take “all reasonable steps” to ensure students do not feel “excluded, targeted or unsafe.” Police indicated that, if the march proceeds, hundreds of officers will be deployed and that they may impose strict conditions on the route, timing or conduct to prevent serious public disorder.
Projected Attendance and Security Context
Metropolitan Police estimates suggest around 300 students could take part in the October 7 march. A separate pro-Palestinian rally scheduled for October 10 is expected to draw up to 10,000 participants. Police have cited Community Security Trust data showing a rise in antisemitic incidents at UK universities since the 2023 attacks, reinforcing their concerns about potential intimidation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Serious concerns have been expressed about the impact of this march on students and staff, particularly those who are Jewish, the route, and the day it is being held,” — James Harman, deputy assistant commissioner
These statements encapsulate the police’s appeal for the protest to be moved and underscore the tension between safeguarding free speech and protecting vulnerable campus communities.