Celebrities including Annie Lennox and Miriam Margolyes have accused the Metropolitan Police of favouring a far-right demonstration led by Tommy Robinson over a pro-Palestine march scheduled for the same day in London. The pro-Palestine movement's preferred route for its annual Nakba commemoration was rejected, while the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally was granted access to key central London locations.
An open letter, signed by actors Samuel West and Khalid Abdalla, musicians Billy Bragg and Nadine Shah, and over 30 MPs, demands the Met reverse its decision. The letter states the force 'must not favour the far right over Palestine' and warns of risks to participants from far-right violence. The Met defended its decision, citing the anticipated scale of the far-right event.
The pro-Palestine group informed the Met of its plans in December, but the route remains unfinalised. Organisers fear for safety due to past violence. The Met said it is open to meeting with organisers to agree an alternative location.
This comes amid broader concerns over restrictions on pro-Palestine protests, including arrests for chanting 'globalise the intifada'. Over 30 MPs have tabled a motion against government proposals to consider the 'cumulative impact' of repeated protests.
