By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The UK Government and Metropolitan Police have jointly moved to ban the annual Al Quds Day march in London, a decision announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, after authorities assessed that the planned march posed “severe risks” of violence and disorder.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved the ban at the request of Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who warned that the combination of a large turnout and multiple counter‑protests could spark clashes, especially against the backdrop of ongoing Middle East tensions involving Iran and Western allies.
The event, held annually towards the end of Ramadan to show solidarity with Palestinians, has drawn controversy this year after organisers led by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC); expressed support for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s former Supreme Leader. Critics, including MPs from both the Labour and Conservative parties, raised concerns about potential antisemitic and pro‑regime messaging.
Under the ban, a stationary rally may still take place under strict policing, but any attempt to hold a march will be treated as a criminal offence. The IHRC condemned the move as “politically charged,” while police emphasised the priority of public safety.
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