Home Secretary prohibits marches in four boroughs
26 October 2012
The Metropolitan Police Service has has received the consent of the Home Secretary to prohibit marches in Waltham Forest and three other boroughs.
This is in light of the plans by the English Defence League (EDL) to carry out a march in Waltham Forest on Saturday 27 October.
"We have made this decision based on specific intelligence and information."
In addition, the MPS has imposed conditions under section 14 of the Public Order Act on the planned static demonstration in Waltham Forest by EDL and associated groups.
Those conditions are that the assembly must take place at Old Palace Yard outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, and that it can only be held between 13:00 and 14:00hrs.
Anyone organising or taking part in the demonstration who fails to comply with these conditions under section 14, or who incites others to do so will be committing an offence and may be liable to arrest.
The decision to apply for the section 14 conditions was made as we had reasons to believe that it could result in serious disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community could be caused by the presence of a demonstration in this area.
The prohibition under section 13 of the Public Order Act gives the Commissioner the power to prohibit marches with the consent of the Home Secretary in order to prevent serious public disorder. The prohibition does not apply to processions that are commonly or customarily held in the area or funeral processions [see note]
The decision to apply for a section 13 order was made based on specific intelligence and information which has led us to believe that serious public disorder, violence and damage could be caused by the presence of marches in these areas. Tactically we believe this is the best option to prevent this.
Chief Superintendent Peter Terry said: "We have made this decision based on specific intelligence and information, and our message is clear, we do not want people coming into the areas to attend these events."
Our engagement work with local communities will continue to ensure that we, wherever possible, address any concerns and provide factual information about the role and legal powers of the police.
The boroughs affected are Tower Hamlets, Newham, Waltham Forest and Islington.
Note: The order does not apply where the procession is one commonly or customarily held in the police area in which it is proposed to be held or is a funeral procession organised by a funeral director acting on the normal course of his business.