Eyewitness: two major London protests challenge the Met

Chris Hobbs attends a new round of protests including one against a new embassy which demonstrators fear would become the epicentre of state surveillance against China’s ‘enemies’ including the thousands of Hong Kong Chinese who have taken refuge in the UK.

The Saturday before last, tourists and day-trippers emerging from Tower Hill station, would have stumbled across an unusual and somewhat unnerving sight. Densely packed crowds were occupying the footways; their presence had a sinister overtone in that many were masked and the initial assumption was that this was a prelude to some form of illicit action.

A number of officers were doing their best to keep the traffic moving and a further short walk revealed the reason for the crowd; a rally was taking place within sight of the Tower of London and the area designated for the meeting was packed to overflowing.

Unlike arriving tourists, I was aware that the rally was taking place and the penny rapidly dropped as to the reason for the masks. The protest was in relation to the proposed construction of a large Chinese Embassy and fears that it would become the epicentre of state surveillance against China’s ‘enemies’ including the thousands of Hong Kong Chinese who have taken refuge in the UK and who were now clearly on the streets.

These fears manifested themselves in many being ‘masked- up’ due to fears that the Chinese authorities would be using the occasion to identify their ‘enemies.’ Inevitably there was a selection of impassioned speeches which could be heard beyond the designated rally area. Outside that area crowds moved one way then the other, occasionally disrupting traffic.

Large crowds and additional resources

Apparently at a similar rally just weeks previously there had been some ‘push and shove’ between a section of the crowd and police. Clearly the Met were going to take no chances this time and a significant number of additional carriers could be seen arriving.

One protester could be seen on the floor apparently ill or injured and being tended by a police officer and several members of the public.

Eventually the rally finished, yet the large crowds were slow to leave, perhaps curious as to whether there would be any further ‘action’ such as an unauthorised march. Traffic became blocked then unblocked thanks to the efforts of officers who coaxed the crowds along.

Given the close proximity of the Tower London, there were a number of tourist buses including those with open tops, passing through the crowds. Those on board were somewhat surprised to find themselves being cheered and waved at by the positively cheerful crowds. A number, although surprised at their newly acquired celebrity status, smiled and waved back, prompting even more cheers.

Gradually, chivvied on by patient officers, the crowds slowly began to disperse but again questions have to be asked as to why megaphones were not used to convey information/instructions to the crowds. Surely these would facilitate the police operation and, indeed, be of particular use in any emergency situation. Credit to PC CN 2582 who made full use of his stentorian voice to move and disperse the protesters.

I suspect the Met and City police commanders were relieved when this significant protest ended and crowds dispersed. In fairness, those attending were impeccably behaved and positively good natured; there was a total absence of hostility towards police officers.

Yet another Palestine protest and counter protest

Earlier that day, there was yet another Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest in central London which began at Green Park and ended at Whitehall. On approaching the meeting point at Green Park I saw, from a distance, a chanting group which I assumed was somehow linked to the Palestine protest. It wasn’t; it was, in fact a group protesting about forthcoming cuts to the Royal Academy of Arts. Cuts appear to be on everyone’s agenda at present.

The now almost ritualistic pro-Palestine marches and rallies have only seriously tested the policing operation on one occasion during the past 12 months; that occurred when the BBC Television Centre was ruled ‘out of bounds’ due to a nearby synagogue. An attempt by those rallying in Whitehall to march to the BBC was frustrated by police.

A pro-Israeli counter-protest has now become the norm and this was located at Piccadilly Circus behind two lines of steel barriers. Once again, as the march passed, insults were exchanged but the predicted appearance of the ‘inserts,’ did not materialise: ‘Inserts’ are a small group of pro-Israelis who place themselves in the midst of the pro-Palestinians, hoping for a violent response.

One pro-Israeli male on the wrong side of the barrier, deliberately drew attention from pro-Palestinian activists who complained to police. Two officers politely suggested that he desist and move which resulted in an aggressive response. Eventually the male joined his fellow pro-Israeli compatriots behind the barriers.

One unusual aspect of this particular march was the ineffectiveness of the stewards. They stood in front of the barriers as usual but unlike previous occasions, they did little to encourage the marchers to keep moving. The apparent steward in charge; a young man with a megaphone, spent his entire time chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. Eventually police intervened and kept the marchers moving.

A very nice Philippines linked protest

Just off Trafalgar Square, in a small mews, another small protest was taking place. These were arguably the nicest group of protesters I’d ever encountered; smiling family groups with small children who burst into harmonious songs on several occasions. They were outside the inconspicuous Philippines Embassy and were protesting about the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his transfer to the International Court in the Hague.

Whitehall, the site of the rally, was busy but not crowded and the general view of seasoned observers was that numbers, although still impressive, were down on previous protests.

Further challenges ahead

Thus, another successful day for the Met, assisted by the good behaviour of thousands of Geordies who were in London for the Carabao Cup Final the following day, but there are more challenges to come. The resumption of Israel’s campaign in relation to the Gaza strip and the apparent visit of Israel’s Foreign Minister this week will prompt further protests and denude officers from the streets; indeed one is scheduled at the time of writing for this evening (Tuesday) at Downing Street,  Saturday sees the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA) take advantage of the lack of premier league fixtures due to the international break and stage a ‘children’s protection march’ which will, amongst others deemed culpable of past failures, target police.

At present there is no national pro-Palestine activity scheduled but if central London does attract protesters, police will have to ensure that they don’t ‘cross paths’ with the DFLA.

On Sunday, there is the annual, Islamic Al Quds march which will, inevitably be focussed on Palestine. Last year’s event resulted in ten arrests and was, frankly, an unpleasant affair. Journalists and police officers were intimidated and abused to an extent not generally seen during the major national pro-Palestine protests.

Events in Gaza may well heighten, still further, tensions and the fact that this march takes place on a Sunday could see a larger number of pro-Israeli counter-protesters as opposed to the numbers seen at the Saturday events.

Chris Hobbs is a former Special Branch officer who follows public order events as an observer for Police Oracle.

Category: Public Order