Metropolitan Police arrest 20 as thousands march for Palestine in London

Police said six arrests were for criminal damage after protesters climbed onto the Battle of Britain memorial.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 18:17:27 GMT

On Saturday, Oct 10, 2026, thousands of demonstrators marched from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall in central London in support of Palestinians, and the Metropolitan Police reported 20 arrests.

What happened

Demonstrators gathered on the Embankment at midday, many wearing keffiyehs and carrying Palestine flags, before proceeding along the riverfront toward Whitehall. Police set up metal barriers and a line of officers separating the march from a counter‑protest by the group Stop The Hate, which assembled outside New Scotland Yard. As the two groups passed each other, Stop The Hate chanted “Shame on you,” but were drowned out by the larger crowd.

Police said six of the 20 arrested were charged with criminal damage after individuals climbed onto the Battle of Britain memorial on Victoria Embankment. Two arrests were for refusing to remove face coverings when ordered, and two were for displaying placards that referenced the proscribed group Palestine Action. The remaining arrests were for other public order offences.

What the reports add

Standard.co.uk’s first article noted that the protest was largely peaceful apart from the clashes at the memorial, while its later piece highlighted the policing conditions imposed by the Metropolitan Police, including the use of powers under the Public Order Act to demand removal of face coverings. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin warned that anyone deliberately concealing their identity could be arrested, and said the police presence would be “significant.”

What was said

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin told Standard.co.uk, “We know Saturday’s event, so close to the third anniversary of the terror attack on Israel, has the potential to have a greater impact on communities than the previous national marches.” He added that the force would use powers under the Public Order Act to require removal of face coverings.

How it came about

The march was part of the National March for Palestine scheduled for Oct 10, as reported by Felo News in its article National March for Palestine scheduled for central London on Oct 10. The event was organised by the Palestine Coalition and approved by the Metropolitan Police, which announced several hundred officers would be deployed. Earlier protests in London, including arrests on Oct 7 during the third anniversary of the attacks, had already heightened police vigilance.

Key facts

Around 20 people were arrested during the pro-Palestine march in London on Oct 10, 2026. (standard.co.uk)
Six arrests were for criminal damage after protesters climbed onto the Battle of Britain memorial. (standard.co.uk)
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Carl Galvin warned police could arrest anyone refusing to remove a face covering. (standard.co.uk)