Scotland Yard will use the Thames as a barrier to stop clashes between pro-Iran demonstrators and counter-protesters at the controversial Al Quds rally on Sunday.
The ‘unprecedented’ tactic comes after the march was downgraded to a static rally when the Metropolitan Police warned of ‘serious public disorder’ should it go ahead as intended.
Assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan said: ‘We have not used this [tactic] before, but because this is a unique set of circumstances we need a unique plan to keep these groups apart.’
He said the ongoing war in Iran meant the rally and counter-protest could attract up to 12,000 people, much higher than seen at past Al Quds events.
Marchers have previously called for Israel to be ‘wiped off the map’ while carrying the flags of Iranian-backed terror group Hezbollah.
This week, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood approved a request by the Met to prohibit the march – the first time this has happened since 2012 – but said it was not possible to ban a static demonstration.
The Met will be deploying more than 1,000 officers to police the demonstration, with reinforcements from other forces.
Al Quds demonstrators will be based on the river’s south side at Albert Embankment, while the counter-protest will be over the water at Millbank.
On Sunday, Scotland Yard will use the Thames as a barrier to stop clashes between pro-Iran demonstrators and counter-protesters at the Al Quds rally. (Pictured in March 2025)
Lambeth Bridge will remain closed except for emergency vehicles.
Mr Adelekan added: ‘Dividing where the two groups assemble means they will use different transport hubs, plus they are divided by the river and we can control the bridges as well.’