Scotland Yard has banned a pro-Palestine march from gathering outside the BBC’s London headquarters next Saturday, citing the risk of serious disruption to a nearby synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath. The Metropolitan Police imposed the Public Order Act to prevent the rally from assembling in Portland Place, close to the Central Synagogue on Great Portland Street.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the protest organisers, had planned to march from Broadcasting House to Whitehall, accusing the BBC of “pro-Israel bias” in its coverage. The Met said it had reflected on views from local community and business representatives, including synagogue members, before reaching its decision.
Commander Adam Slonecki, leading the policing operation, said the PSC had refused to alter their route despite requests, leaving police no choice but to use legal powers. He stressed the decision was based on evidence and not influenced by a recent letter from MPs and peers.
The PSC condemned the ban as “repressive”, rejecting any implication that its marches are hostile to Jewish people. The group noted that the Met had acknowledged no incidents of threats to synagogues during previous rallies. Thirteen Holocaust survivors and descendants also signed a letter opposing the ban, stating they had attended numerous Palestine demos without experiencing hostility.
