CAMPAIGNERS have demanded that the Metropolitan Police drop its attempts to block a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London on Saturday.

Despite following the normal protocols in co-ordinating with the police, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), one of the organisers, says it has not been given any central London start or end point for the demonstration, unlike every other time.

The coalition notified the police of its intention to hold a demonstration over a month ago. 

On June 21 no objections were raised about the proposal to end the march at Whitehall, and it was agreed that the police would confirm acceptance on June 24. 

However, no communication was received until two days later, when police indicated that they would not allow the march to end on Whitehall or Parliament Square, citing the need for businesses, tourists, the media and politicians to access the area.

The coalition has written to the police suggesting a compromise route starting on the Embankment and marching to the Israeli embassy — which would leave Whitehall free. 

PSC director Ben Jamal said: “Keir Starmer is facing his first test on the willingness of his government to support the right to peaceful protest, including for protest to take place near Westminster.

“The Met Police are threatening to use repressive powers under pernicious legislation passed by the Tory government to stop a protest near Parliament. 

“There is no sensible or persuasive reason for this other than the new government might be embarrassed to have pictures beamed around the world with people in Whitehall demanding justice for Palestine. 

“This is the first big test of the incoming government: will they robustly uphold the democratic right to protest?”