A senior justice minister has demanded that police take "robust action" against participants in an upcoming pro-Palestinian march in London, accusing organisers of expressing support for the Iranian regime. The annual Al Quds Day demonstration, scheduled for Sunday in the capital, has sparked a heated political row over free speech and national security.
Minister's Strong Condemnation of March
Courts Minister Sarah Sackman issued a forceful statement, declaring that individuals who back the Tehran government have no legitimate place in British society. She emphasised that such expressions of solidarity should not be tolerated on the streets of London, where they could incite hatred and hostility against the United Kingdom.
In interviews with LBC and Times Radio, Sackman labelled the Al Quds Day event a "hate march" and insisted that law enforcement authorities must intervene decisively. She referenced the current geopolitical context, highlighting the actions of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a threat both internationally and domestically.
Organisers Defend Peaceful Nature of Event
However, the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which coordinates the march, has strongly defended its character. In a letter to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the group rejected allegations of antisemitism and terrorism support as entirely baseless.
IHRC chairman Massoud Shadjareh pointed out that the demonstration has been conducted peacefully for over four decades, always maintaining a good-natured atmosphere. The organisation insists the march is solely intended to show solidarity with Palestinians and promote human rights.
Controversy Over Past Statements
The controversy has been fuelled by previous IHRC comments regarding Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following his death in US-Israeli strikes, the commission described him as a martyr and a rare role model, drawing criticism from UK officials.
Minister Sackman clarified that while the ultimate decision to ban the march rests with the police and the Home Secretary, she has made her opposition unequivocally clear. She stated that such events, which she views as anti-British, should not proceed in any form.
The Metropolitan Police now faces mounting pressure to assess the security risks and determine an appropriate response ahead of Sunday's planned demonstration. This situation underscores ongoing tensions between protecting civil liberties and addressing perceived national security threats in the UK.
