Pro-Palestinian demonstrators take part in ‘sit-in’ protest at London King’s Cross railway station
A ‘sit-in’ protest, which is calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, is taking place at London King’s Cross railway station this evening (3 November).
It is understood hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators are attending the rally at one of the busiest railway stations in England.
British Transport Police said its was given new powers by the Government ahead of the demonstration, which made it illegal to take part in it, over fears the rally could cause “serious disruption” to rail services.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the force added its officers are making demonstrators aware of the order and asking them to leave.
British Transport Police assistant chief constable, Sean O’Callaghan, said: “We are aware of a planned demonstration at Kings Cross Station later this afternoon, Friday 3 November.
“We fully respect the rights of people to protest lawfully but where we believe this could cause serious disruption to railway services, we must take action.
“We have therefore obtained consent to utilise powers under Section 14a of the Public Order Act 1986 which enables BTP to make an order prohibiting a trespassory assembly at Kings Cross station. To organise or take part in an assembly during the prohibition commits an offence.
“We continue to work closely with our partners to manage the impact of protests for those who travel on the railways.”
Footage shared on X, which has not been verified by i, shows some protesters at the rally chanting and waving Palestinian flags, as police officers speak to others.
Another unverified clip shows protester clapping and chanting “ceasefire now”.
Forest of Dean MP Mark Harper said that he granted consent for the order that banned the protest.
In a post on X he said: “Our stations should remain safe places for people to go about their journeys without disruption or intimidation.”
The protest comes after earlier today it was claimed tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators are planning to hold a march protesting against the war in central London on Armistice Day
There are fears the protest could disrupt the two-minute silence commemorating the war dead and the daytime and evening Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said there is a “clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated”.
Writing on X, Mr Sunak said: “To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.
“The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected.
Mr Sunak said he had asked the Home Secretary Suella Braverman to support the Met Police in “doing everything necessary” to “protect the sanctity of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday”.
Since Hamas launched its deadly attack on Israel on 7 October, there have been many pro-Palestinian protests held across the UK, including several in central London.
