Minister Condemns Planned Al Quds March as Hate with No Place in UK Society
A government minister has declared that the 'hate' associated with a march in support of the Iranian regime, scheduled for this Sunday, 'has no place in our society.' The Al Quds demonstration, set to take place on March 15, aims to express solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to Israel.
Political Pressure and Calls for Action
The Home Secretary has received a letter from 90 politicians warning that the rally will provide a platform for intimidation, extremism, and the promotion of a regime hostile to Britain and its allies. Courts Minister Sarah Sackman, a barrister and MP for Finchley and Golders Green, stated that the march through London should not proceed.
'I'm clear that hate on marches like the Al Quds march has no place in British society and the authorities and the police should take the enforcement action needed against these marches,' she told Times Radio.
Ms Sackman had previously called for a ban in 2024 while a parliamentary candidate but did not reiterate that demand this time. 'It's for the home secretary and the police working together to take that decision,' she explained. 'I don't want to see marches and the views expressed in this go ahead. The decision's not for me, but I've made my views very clear. This sort of thing has no place in our society.'
Background and Concerns Over Extremism
The Al Quds demonstration is held annually in London during Ramadan and was established in 1979 following the Iranian revolution. It is organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, which claims it offers a platform for those opposing colonialism, oppression, and apartheid.
However, past marches have raised alarms:
- Participants have carried flags of Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
- Placards have called for the destruction of Israel.
- Recent separate pro-Iranian protests in London featured anti-Israeli and anti-US chants, with some banners supporting Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
A cross-party group of MPs has told the Home Secretary that the march, named after the Arabic term for Jerusalem, will legitimise Iran's agenda and send an 'unmistakably troubling message.'
Police Response and Official Statements
Scotland Yard does not have the power to ban a protest but has not ruled out seeking a ban from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. The Metropolitan Police stated that officers would take a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and support for proscribed organisations.
A Home Office spokesman said: 'While it is for the police to determine whether a protest risks public order and safety, any attempts to intimidate individuals or communities will not be tolerated.'
An Islamic Human Rights Commission spokesman countered: 'Any ban on Al Quds Day would destroy any remaining credibility that the UK has.'
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over free speech, security, and the influence of foreign regimes in UK public demonstrations.
