Wednesday, April 15, 2026-London’s Metropolitan Police are facing renewed controversy after refusing to accept a formal protest letter opposing the ban on a planned Nakba Day march, while at the same time approving a separate far-right demonstration in central London.
The dispute emerged after pro-Palestinian campaigners said they were denied permission to hold their annual Nakba Day march through their preferred central London route on 16 May.
The group attempted to deliver a letter to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley at New Scotland Yard, urging the decision to be reversed and warning that approving a far-right march on the same day risks inflaming tensions. However, police officials refused to accept the letter in person, telling the delegation—including MPs and civil society figures—to send it by post instead.
Campaigners argue the decision reflects a double standard, claiming that their march has historically been peaceful while far-right demonstrations have previously triggered confrontations and disorder in the capital.
The letter, signed by dozens of MPs and public figures, accused the Met of effectively granting “political space” in central London to groups linked to anti-immigration activism while restricting Palestinian solidarity events.
The Metropolitan Police, however, has defended its approach, stating that decisions on protest routes and permissions are based on public safety assessments, expected crowd sizes, and the need to prevent clashes between opposing groups.
The issue has intensified wider debate in the UK over protest rights, policing neutrality, and how authorities balance freedom of assembly with concerns over public order amid politically charged demonstrations.
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