Met Police spent millions on pro-Palestine protest security, raising concerns about officer shortages & impacting response to other crimes in London.
Operation Brocks cost £46.8m initially. October cost £1.76m, November £2.95m, and December £1.84m. January’s costs aren’t finished yet, but they will be released soon. Over 70,000 officer shifts went to Op Brocks, which started after the Hamas attack in October 2023.
The police commissioner wants officers on other crimes, including robberies, burglaries, and finding criminals. Another protest is planned at the US embassy. Police arrested 77 people on January 18, which was the most across 20 protests.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell agreed to interviews related to the January 18 event. The mayor supports lawful protest rights for everyone. However, he knows Jewish people are afraid to visit central London because they fear antisemitism.
Antisemitism has increased, the mayor says, and non-Jewish people must understand “heightened fear.” He is angry that some Londoners can’t move freely. They worry about facing antisemitism if they venture out.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign defends marching rights, saying they can’t have limits. They mentioned a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and claimed that attacks continue in the West Bank. They also claim Israel killed 70 people since January.
The PSC will keep marching for Palestinian rights and wants to end Britain’s help with Israel’s “crimes.” They call peaceful protest a basic right. The PSC asks why police need so many officers, as protests are mostly peaceful.
A Campaign Against Antisemitism spokesman thinks the mayor’s words came “a year too late.” He asks why the mayor speaks up during a ceasefire, stating that Jewish people were already afraid. He feels the mayor is responsible for policing. Polls show few Jews are happy with his recent actions, and the mayor needs stronger action to reassure London’s Jewish population.