The Met Police has warned it will not tolerate any disorder in the capital this weekend amid a series of protests.
Starting on Saturday, four rail unions have begun a 24-hour walkout meaning large parts of the transport network have been closed. They have been joined members from the Enough is Enough and the Don’t Pay groups.
Protestors from the Just Stop Oil group will also march to central London in a call to action amid the climate change crisis.
With the London Marathon set to take place on Sunday, the Met has warned that the protests must not harm its policing operation.
Commander Karen Findlay, who is running the policing operation this weekend, said: “It is extremely important given the months of preparation runners have put in to tackle the 26.2 mile course, that the policing operation remains centred on working with partners to ensure the event takes place without disruption, and all the families and members of the public who attend to cheer the runners on enjoy the day.
“We are also aware of the global and political backdrop and how those issues impact on our communities within London.
“We completely understand that people want their voices heard on current issues and to exercise their right to protest.”
He went further to single out the Just Stop Oil group, claiming they have failed to cooperate with the Met ahead of the planned protest.
He added: “What we won’t tolerate is where the right to protest results in disorder as we saw last weekend. That is wholly unacceptable. It is equally important that the rights of local residents, visitors and business owners are balanced with those who wish to protest.
“We have had positive engagement with multiple event organisers to understand their wishes and plans for their events and demonstrations across the capital this weekend, and these conversations have enabled us to develop a proportionate policing plan.
“So far, despite efforts, Just Stop Oil have declined to engage to explain their plans, however we will continue to try to establish a dialogue since we remain dedicated to making sure all demonstrations and events go ahead without disruption.”
