London is bracing for a series of demonstrations this weekend, with protests planned near both the US and Iranian embassies, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions.
On Saturday afternoon, a Stage for Freedom demonstration, organised in opposition to the Iranian government, is scheduled to march from Whitehall. Protesters will proceed to Kensington Road, near Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, where the Iranian embassy is located.
Concurrently, a separate march involving groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), the Stop the War Coalition, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign will converge on the United States embassy.
This protest, starting from Millbank, aims to call for an end to attacks on Iran.
The Metropolitan Police has implemented specific conditions for these events, mandating that protesters adhere to designated routes and conclude their post-march rallies by 5pm.
Furthermore, Scotland Yard has prohibited the use of amplified noise equipment for music or speeches, as well as musical instruments, at the anti-Iranian government protest, citing a need to “limit the disturbance to people living nearby”.
Beyond the capital, a demonstration is also set to take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire from 1pm.
Organised by CND, this protest will oppose any potential use of the base by US bombers.
This follows a decision by Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday, which permitted UK bases, including the joint UK-US Diego Garcia site in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford, to be used for US defensive strikes targeting countries threatened by Tehran.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would deploy officers to manage the protest, stating: “We will provide a proportionate and lawful police response to any activity in order to help keep everyone safe, minimise disruption and prevent crime or disorderly behaviour occurring.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary will seek to facilitate those engaging in peaceful protest in respect of their rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association, whilst balancing the needs and rights of the military base, local communities and the wider public.”
Sophie Bolt, CND general secretary, voiced strong opposition, declaring: “We demand an end to the illegal bombing of Iran and an end to the escalation. International diplomacy and dialogue has never been more critical.
“Starmer needs to stand up to Trump and halt Britain’s active military support. He needs to shut down all these US bases that are putting Britain on the front line.”
In anticipation of the protests, Scotland Yard has increased patrols around “key sites” and in “most affected communities” across London in recent days. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman emphasised the police’s role in maintaining public order.
He stated: “We have a duty to make sure people can go about their lives without being intimidated, and where necessary we will proactively intervene. This intervention may include the imposition of conditions on protests to prevent them from taking place in specified locations to protect members of that community.
“This may include, for example, preventing anti-Israeli protests taking place in Jewish communities or taking steps to ensure particular communities do not feel harassed by anti-Iran protests taking place where they live. Each protest will be assessed individually.
“We are in ongoing discussions with key partners across London. We meet regularly with representatives from Muslim and Jewish communities, and in recent weeks we have stepped up our engagement with Iranian groups.”
