'No to Sharia Law' Protest Update

Dear Residents of Marylebone & Hyde Park,

I am emailing you in regards to the proposed ‘No to Sharia Law’ protest taking place today, and an update with regards to conditions imposed on the march. In essence, the protest will lawfully be taking place in Whitehall (see imposed conditions and route below).

There will be a presence of both local officers and non-local officers on Edgware Road today, to both offer reassurance, and to ensure that protesters do not stray from their prescribed route.

I have included the message sent out to our partners from Superintendent Evans below: 

Dear Partners, I am writing to provide an update regarding the proposed demonstrations that have attracted significant public and community interest ahead of Saturday 29 August. Over recent days, concerns have been raised with the Metropolitan Police Service by a broad range of stakeholders from across London, including elected representatives, community organisations, faith leaders, residents and local partners. 

These concerns have focused on the potential impact of the demonstrations on community confidence, public safety and cohesion. The Metropolitan Police Service has carefully considered those concerns alongside intelligence, operational assessments and legal advice. As a result, conditions have now been imposed under the Public Order Act on both the proposed 'No to Sharia Law' demonstration and the associated counter-protest. 

The purpose of these conditions is to prevent serious disruption, disorder and intimidation, while enabling lawful protest to take place safely. 

The conditions require: • The 'No to Sharia Law' protest to assemble at Hyde Park Corner before following a prescribed route to Whitehall. 

• Any subsequent rally associated with that protest to take place within a designated area on Richmond Terrace and conclude by 4:30pm. 

• The counter-protest to remain within a designated area on Richmond Terrace and conclude by 4:30pm. 

These conditions mean that the demonstrations will not take place within the Edgware Road area. We recognise the concern and anxiety that have been felt by many communities, particularly those who felt directly affected by commentary relating to the original advertised location. The Metropolitan Police Service remains committed to protecting all communities, facilitating lawful protest, preventing crime and disorder, and maintaining public confidence. 

A comprehensive policing operation will be in place throughout the day. Officers will continue to engage with community representatives, faith leaders and partner agencies before and during the event to ensure lines of communication remain open and that any emerging concerns can be addressed promptly. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We will provide further updates should there be any significant developments.

 Kind regards, Natasha Evans Superintendent Central West (AW) BCU - Neighbourhoods Westminster