Anti-war and pro war (?) protests in London today were pretty small. Israel-US side seemed smaller; I was blocked from crossing the bridge to the other side.
Apparent police-state attitude: “We will allow you NEAR the embassy of warmongering nation ….but we won’t let the world see UK’s anger toward its so-called ally …that is…we won’t let you march to the US embassy.”
UK sought to keep protesters a few blocks from the US embassy today. The containment seems designed to demonstrate that the US needs protection….and the rights of the British people are secondary.
Protest area in red; marching was banned:
Some of my coverage at the protest…US embassy was quiet.:
https://x.com/carrzee/status/2033194995872678328?s=20
———
It could be interpreted that way by some people, but the authorities’ reasoning is usually more practical than political.
Who sets the location
The Metropolitan Police Service sets protest conditions under powers in the Public Order Act 1986. Their legal test is whether restrictions are needed to prevent serious disorder, crime, or major disruption.
Why Albert Embankment is often used
From a policing perspective, the area has advantages:
It is wide and open, allowing large crowds to be contained. The River Thames naturally separates groups; counter-protests can be kept across the river at Millbank. Police can close nearby bridges and control access points. It keeps demonstrations away from the densest parts of central Westminster.
Distance from the U.S. Embassy
The modern Embassy of the United States, London is actually in Nine Elms, roughly 1.5–2 km away from Albert Embankment. Because the protest was made static (no march), crowds are not supposed to move toward it.
The perception issue
Critics sometimes argue that:
Restricting marches can increase tensions by confining large crowds. Proximity to symbolic sites (embassies, Parliament) can heighten political messaging.
Police generally respond that the restrictions are meant to reduce risk, not shape the political message.
In practice
Most large London demonstrations—especially controversial ones—are carefully boxed into manageable areas by the police. The aim is to make them predictable and containable, even if some participants feel the restrictions are unfair.
If you want, I can also explain why the authorities were particularly cautious about this year’s Al-Quds Day protest—the security reasoning is quite specific.
The main protest in central London today (Sunday, 15 March 2026) is the Al-Quds Day demonstration. ChatGPT
Location
Albert Embankment (south side of the River Thames) Area between Lambeth Bridge and Vauxhall Bridge in central London.
Counter-protesters are gathering on the north side of the Thames at Millbank, opposite the main rally area.
Time
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm today.
Important restrictions
The planned march was banned, so the event is a static protest only. Protesters must stay on Albert Embankment; counter-protests are kept on the Millbank side of the river. About 1,000 police officers are deployed and Lambeth Bridge is closed to traffic.
What the protest is about
It’s the annual Al-Quds Day rally, supporting Palestinian causes and opposing Israel, part of an international event that originated in Iran in 1979.
✅ Quick summary:
Where: Albert Embankment (between Lambeth & Vauxhall bridges) When: 1–3 pm today Counter-protest: Millbank (north bank of the Thames)
And on Ukraine: