Met ‘fully intends’ to enforce law over Hezbollah ban for Al Quds Day

The Metropolitan Police has said that it “fully intends” to enforce the law at the forthcoming Al-Quds Day March on 2 June after the Home Secretary banned Hezbollah in its entirety.

Senior officers said the sight of Hezbollah flags on the streets of London had been a feature of past marches because anti-Israel protesters were able to say they were supporting only the political wing, which until February was not banned.

“In previous years we have seen support for the group Hezbollah, including flags, banners and chanting,” said Superintendent Nick Collins.

“The Metropolitan Police Service is aware of the significant impact that the support for a terrorist organisation can have on the communities of London. It fully intends to intervene to enforce the law, where possible, should any offences be disclosed.”

Stephen Silverman of Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “It was outrageous that Hezbollah supporters were allowed to march through the streets of our capital. We are pleased that the police have put in place robust plans to enforce the law.”

Support for Hezbollah now carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison after Home Secretary Sajid Javid declared the political and military wings of Hezbollah to be “one and the same” earlier this year.

Joan Ryan MP, Labour Friends of Israel chair, said: “I am greatly reassured by the police confirming they will not allow the flag of an antisemitic terror group to be flown on the streets of London next month. I’m sorry it took the government so long to act, but thank parliamentary colleagues from across the house who joined me in lobbying for achieving this victory over the purveyors of hate and violence.”