The following is a police statement given to YWN after the decision was made to move the protest location:

The MPS has been engaging with protest organisers and communities with regards to a planned static anti-Shomrim protest on 4th July at Golders Green, within the London Borough of Barnet.

After carefully considering all the facts surrounding this protest and counter protest activity, including the impact on the Jewish and wider community of Golders Green, it is the assessment of the MPS that the presence of these groups in the same area at the same time is likely to result in serious disorder, serious disruption to the life of the community and intimidation of others. As a result, conditions have been imposed on the anti-Shomrim protest group under Section 14 Public Order Act 1986.

Those conditions are that anti-Shomrim protestors must assemble (hold a rally) at Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, London, SW1 in astatic assembly for 60 minutes from 1pm to 2pm. The assembly point will be positioned on the east footway of Whitehall opposite Downing Street.

By imposing these conditions, the MPS is attempting to strike a balance between the right to peaceful assembly and peaceful protest and our duty to prevent crime & disorder and protect the communities of Golders Green.

The MPS will continue to work with residents, the business community and protest organisers to publicise these conditions and ensure that everyone is aware of the conditions and how it may affect them.

Saturday will see a significant policing operation around this protest and any counter protest activity. It is essential that faith and community leaders work closely with the local community and police in preventing disorder and other criminality.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)