Protest marches to take place near US and Iranian embassies in London this weekend
London is gearing up for a series of shows this weekend; Protests planned near the US and Iranian embassies, reflecting rising geopolitical tensions.
The Liberty Stage demonstration against the Iranian government is scheduled to march from Whitehall on Saturday afternoon. Protesters will proceed to Kensington Road near Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, where the Iranian embassy is located.
Simultaneously, a separate march, including groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), the Stop the War Coalition and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, will also meet in front of the US embassy.
This protest, which started from Millbank, aims to call for an end to attacks against Iran.
The Metropolitan Police imposed special conditions for these events, requiring protesters to adhere to designated routes and complete post-march rallies by 5pm.
Scotland Yard also banned the use of musical instruments, as well as amplified noise equipment for music or speech, at an anti-Iran government protest, citing the need to “limit the disturbance to people living nearby.”
Beyond the capital, there will also be a demonstration at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire from 1pm.
This protest, organized by CND, will oppose the use of the base by US bombers.
This follows a decision by Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday to allow UK bases, including the joint UK-US Diego Garcia field in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford, to be used for US defensive strikes targeting countries threatened by Tehran.
Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would deploy officers to manage the protest and said: “We will provide a proportionate and lawful police response to any activity to help keep everyone safe, minimize disruption and prevent crime or disorderly behavior from occurring.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary will seek to make it easier for those taking part in peaceful protests to respect their freedom of expression, assembly and association, whilst balancing the needs and rights of the military base, local communities and the wider public.”
CND general secretary Sophie Bolt voiced strong opposition, saying: “We demand an end to the illegal bombing of Iran and an end to the escalation of tensions. International diplomacy and dialogue have never been more critical.”
“Starmer needs to stand up to Trump and stop Britain’s active military support. He needs to close all US bases that put Britain on the front lines.”
In anticipation of the protests, Scotland Yard has stepped up patrols around “key areas” and “hardest affected communities” across London in recent days. Assistant Deputy Commissioner James Harman emphasized the role of the police in maintaining public order.
He said: “We have a duty to ensure that people can go about their lives without being intimidated and we will intervene proactively where necessary. This intervention may include imposing conditions to prevent protests from taking place in certain locations to protect members of that community.”
“This could include, for example, preventing anti-Israel protests in Jewish communities or taking steps to ensure that certain communities are not disturbed by anti-Iran protests taking place where they live. Each protest will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”
“We continue to engage with key partners across London. We meet regularly with representatives from the Muslim and Jewish communities and have increased our engagement with Iranian groups in recent weeks.”
