London protests cost Met Police £42.9 million in 2023

A recent report highlights the significant financial impact of Palestine-related protests in London, costing the Metropolitan Police £42.9 million between October and June. The protests, which peaked at around 300,000 participants last November, have since decreased to 5,000 to 10,000 attendees every third weekend. The report indicates that the police faced challenges in managing these events, with criticisms regarding the timing of arrests and the perceived 'two-tier' policing approach. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist acknowledged that the police did not always act swiftly enough, particularly in the early stages of the protests. He emphasized the need for a more focused approach to identifying grounds for arrest and responding to disruptive individuals. The report also revealed that public sentiment towards protests is largely negative, with many individuals expressing reluctance to engage in activities like shopping or visiting tourist attractions during such events. The findings suggest that the protests have not only strained police resources, requiring nearly 52,000 officer shifts from the Met and additional support from other forces, but have also adversely affected tourism and retail sectors. A nationwide poll indicated that a significant majority of respondents would alter their plans if a major protest occurred nearby. Among the report's recommendations are calls for legislative changes to better regulate protests, including stricter conditions on the duration and location of marches. The report advocates for a balance between the right to protest and the public's ability to go about their daily lives without disruption.