Police step up patrols as demonstrations planned near US and Iranian embassies
Palestine Solidarity Campaign heading from Millbank to the United States embassy on Saturday to call for an end to attacks on Iran
Protests are set to take place near the US and Iranian embassies in London as police patrols have been stepped up across the capital.
On Saturday afternoon, a Stage for Freedom demonstration against the Iranian government will march from Whitehall to Kensington Road near Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, close to where the nation’s embassy is situated.
Meanwhile, a separate march of groups including the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), Stop the War Coalition and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign will head from Millbank to the United States embassy to call for an end to attacks on Iran.
The Metropolitan Police has imposed conditions requiring protesters to stay on designated routes and finish their post-march rallies by 5pm.
The use of amplified noise equipment for music or speeches and of instruments has been banned by Scotland Yard at the anti-Iranian government protest to “limit the disturbance to people living nearby”.
The force said it has stepped up patrols around “key sites” and in the “most affected communities” in recent days.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said officers will “proactively intervene” where necessary.
He went on: “This intervention may include the imposition of conditions on protests to prevent them from taking place in specified locations to protect members of that community.
“This may include, for example, preventing anti-Israeli protests taking place in Jewish communities or taking steps to ensure particular communities do not feel harassed by anti-Iran protests taking place where they live. Each protest will be assessed individually.
“We are in ongoing discussions with key partners across London. We meet regularly with representatives from Muslim and Jewish communities, and in recent weeks we have stepped up our engagement with Iranian groups.”
Meanwhile, CND said there will also be a demonstration at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire from 1pm on Saturday to oppose use of the base by US bombers.
Sir Keir Starmer decided on Sunday that UK bases including the joint UK-US Diego Garcia site in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford could be used in the conflict, so the US can strike defensively to protect countries being targeted by Tehran.
Gloucestershire Constabulary said it will deploy officers to police the protest.
It added: “We will provide a proportionate and lawful police response to any activity in order to help keep everyone safe, minimise disruption and prevent crime or disorderly behaviour occurring.
“Gloucestershire Constabulary will seek to facilitate those engaging in peaceful protest in respect of their rights of 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 said: “We demand an end to the illegal bombing of Iran and an end to the escalation.
“International diplomacy and dialogue has never been more critical. Starmer needs to stand up to Trump and halt Britain’s active military support.
“He needs to shut down all these US bases that are putting Britain on the front line.”
Main
09:117 Mar 2026693 words
PoliticsIran
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