The Home Secretary has consented to the Metropolitan Police prohibiting this year’s Al Quds Day march in London. The order covers any associated counter‑protest marches and takes effect from 16:00 on Wednesday 11 March 2026 for one month. A static demonstration may proceed, but only under strict conditions set by the police. The Met said this is the first time it has used this power since 2012. (news.met.police.uk)
In a statement carried by broadcasters, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was satisfied the step was necessary to prevent serious public disorder given the scale of the event and multiple counter‑protests, and added that anyone spreading hatred would face the full force of the law. She also confirmed that a stationary protest could still take place, subject to strict conditions. (itv.com)
The police cited “unique risks and challenges”, including the expected convergence of large groups of supporters and counter‑protesters and heightened tensions linked to events in the Middle East. The Met said last year MI5 and Counter Terrorism Policing foiled more than 20 Iran‑state‑backed plots in the UK. The march had been scheduled for Sunday 15 March 2026. (news.met.police.uk)
The legal basis for the prohibition is section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986. Where conditions under section 12 would be insufficient to prevent serious public disorder, section 13 allows a ban on public processions for a specified period of up to three months. In London, the Commissioner may make such an order with the consent of the Secretary of State. (legislation.gov.uk)
The distinction between a procession and a static assembly matters. There is generally no power to ban a static assembly, but police may impose conditions on location, duration and numbers under section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986. A separate power, section 14A, permits prohibitions on trespassory assemblies in limited circumstances with Secretary of State or local authority involvement. (gov.uk)
Breaching a section 13 prohibition is a criminal offence. Organising a prohibited procession carries a maximum penalty of up to three months’ imprisonment or a level 4 fine (or both); taking part can attract a level 3 fine; and inciting participation can also lead to up to three months’ imprisonment or a level 4 fine (or both). The Met has warned that attempting to form or join a march-or inciting others to do so-will lead to arrest. (legislation.gov.uk)
Use of section 13 is rare. The Met emphasised this is its first prohibition since 2012. That year, ministers agreed requests to stop English Defence League marches in parts of London on public‑order grounds-an application history reflected in Home Office records. (news.met.police.uk)
Organisers, the Islamic Human Rights Commission, promote Al Quds Day as an international demonstration in support of Palestinians and had advertised a 15 March assembly point outside the Home Office. A spokesperson told broadcasters a ban would be a sad day for freedom of expression, noting the event’s long history. (ihrc.org.uk)
Rights to freedom of expression and assembly remain protected but are qualified. Government ECHR memoranda emphasise that restrictions must be lawful, necessary and proportionate to legitimate aims such as preventing disorder. Section 13 is structured around that high threshold, applying only where lesser powers would not suffice. (gov.uk)
For practitioners and participants, the practical position is clear from 16:00 on 11 March to 11 April 2026: no marches linked to Al Quds Day or associated counter‑protests may take place in London. A static protest may proceed only within police‑set limits. Expect a large policing presence and swift enforcement against any attempt to form a procession. (news.met.police.uk)