Headlines
UK police to use river thames to keep pro-Iranian rally apart from opponents
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 12, 2026
3 min readLast updated: March 12, 2026
Quick Summary
British police will use the River Thames as a physical barrier to separate pro‑Iranian Al Quds static demonstrators on the south bank from counter‑protesters on the north bank, closing Lambeth Bridge amid heavy policing to avert disorder.
UK Police to Use River Thames as Barrier Between Pro-Iranian Rally and Opponents
Police Strategy and Public Safety Measures for Upcoming London Protests
By Michael Holden
Unique Use of River Thames as a Physical Barrier
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - British police said on Thursday they would use the River Thames as a barrier to separate pro-Iranian protesters from counterdemonstrators in central London this weekend in what they said was a unique way of preventing possible violent clashes.
Background and Ban on Al Quds March
Government Approval and Reasons for Ban
The police, with the approval of interior minister Shabana Mahmood, announced earlier this week that Sunday's planned annual Al Quds march, organised by the Islamic Human Rights Commission, had been banned citing the tensions and risks created by the Iran war.
Static Assembly Allowed Despite Ban
However, that ban does not prevent a static assembly and the IHRC, which police said is supportive of the Iranian regime, intends to go ahead with a rally for "Palestinian liberation."
Logistics and Security Arrangements
Protest Locations and Bridge Closure
London Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said that in order "to reduce the risk of serious public disorder," the IHRC protest would be held on the south bank of the Thames.
A counterprotest, involving a mix of groups from opponents of the Tehran government to pro-Israeli supporters, will be on the other side of the river, with Westminster's Lambeth Bridge closed.
Police Tactics and Expected Attendance
"This is a new bespoke tactic, and something we have not tried before in recent times," he told reporters. "This is a unique set of circumstances."
Some 1,000 police officers will be on duty for the protests, with about 12,000 protesters expected, although Adelekan said far more could turn up.
Freedom of Speech and Law Enforcement Approach
"While we will protect the right to freedom of speech, there is a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and anyone who crosses the line can expect to face arrest," he said.
Implications and Precedents
No Precedent Set for Future Protests
Adelekan said the ban on the Al Quds march, the first of its kind in 14 years, did not set a precedent for Iranian protests or pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
Resource Assessment and Decision Rationale
He said the decision had not been taken lightly but their assessment was that even with strict conditions it would have required "significant resources and likely use of force" to keep the rival marches apart.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Mark Porter)
Key Takeaways
- •For the first time since 2012, the annual Al Quds march has been banned—but a static assembly by the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) will still proceed under strict conditions
- •Police, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s approval, plan an unusual separation tactic using the Thames and bridge closure to reduce violence risks
- •An estimated 1,000 officers will manage up to 12,000 protesters, safeguarding free speech while enforcing zero‑tolerance on hate crime and disorder
Frequently Asked Questions about UK police to use River Thames to keep pro-Iranian rally apart from opponents
1Why are UK police using the River Thames as a barrier for protests?
Police are using the River Thames to physically separate pro-Iranian protesters from counterdemonstrators, aiming to prevent violent clashes during the upcoming rallies.
2What is the Al Quds march and why was it banned?
The Al Quds march is an annual protest organized by the Islamic Human Rights Commission. It was banned this year due to heightened tensions and safety concerns stemming from the Iran war.
3How will police manage the protests in central London?
Around 1,000 police officers will be deployed, with the main rallies on opposite banks of the Thames and key bridges like Lambeth Bridge closed to keep groups apart.
4Does the ban on the Al Quds march set a precedent for future demonstrations?
Police indicated the ban does not set a precedent; each protest or demonstration will be assessed individually based on risks and required resources.
5What is the expected turnout for these London protests?
Police expect about 12,000 protesters, but acknowledge the number could be higher.
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