Pro-Palestine March in London Amidst Government Crackdown on Activist Group

A large demonstration in support of Palestine is underway in central London. Thousands of protesters are marching from Russell Square towards Whitehall. Participants are displaying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as "free, free Palestine," and "occupation no more, Israel is a terrorist state." The marchers are also chanting "stop bombing Iran."

As the pro-Palestine march passed near Waterloo Bridge, they encountered counter-protesters organized by the pro-Israeli group Stop The Hate. Many marchers chanted "shame on you" at the counter-protesters. Placards displayed by the demonstrators included one bearing the slogan "From the River to the Sea," which is considered by some within the Jewish community as a form of hate speech.

The Metropolitan Police have imposed strict conditions on protests in central London this weekend, citing the Public Order Act to prevent significant disruption. The Palestine Coalition march began at midday in Russell Square and is following a pre-approved route to Whitehall via Aldwych and the Strand. The demonstration is scheduled to conclude with a speech assembly by 5:30 PM, with participants required to remain within designated areas. A static protest by Stop the Hate, opposing the Palestine Coalition march, is also taking place north of Waterloo Bridge, confined to a specific area between 12:30 PM and 5:30 PM. The police have warned that additional conditions may be applied to other protests planned for the weekend.

The march follows the UK government's recent announcement regarding Palestine Action. The government plans to proscribe the group as a terrorist organization. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is preparing a ministerial statement to Parliament, which, if approved, would criminalize membership and support for the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. This decision comes after an incident where activists broke into RAF Brize Norton and vandalized aircraft. The Prime Minister condemned the act, and the Ministry of Defence criticized the vandalism. If enacted, the proscription would place Palestine Action alongside other proscribed groups. Supporters of Palestine Action argue that the ban restricts non-violent protest, while the government maintains that the group's actions involve unlawful violence and intimidation.