- Met Police: £26.5M Gaza protests cost
- 700% rise in extremism referrals
- Challenges in policing large demos
A senior officer of the force disclosed the figure and cautioned against its repercussions on counter-terrorism operations, stating that since the conflict in Gaza began, the Metropolitan Police’s extremism hotline has received a 700% increase in referrals.
According to a senior officer of the Metropolitan Police, the expenses incurred thus far in managing pro-Palestinian and Israeli demonstrations in London amount to £26.5 million.
Operations commissioner Matt Twist estimated that 30,000 officer shifts had been devoted to the nine pro-Palestinian and three pro-Israeli demonstrations that have occurred in the capital since October 7, when Hamas attacked Israel, and the subsequent conflict in Gaza.
He stated at a Policy Exchange event on Wednesday that officers stationed in London to assist the Metropolitan Police had completed approximately 6,800 duties and canceled 4,600 rest days.
Mr Twist cautioned that the onset of the conflict had a far-reaching effect on the force’s counter-terrorism operations, stating that the Metropolitan Police had received 2,700 public referrals to its extremism line—a 700% increase—and that thirty investigations were ongoing.
Thus, everyone is aware of what the future may hold, he continued. Circumnavigating this area with caution is imperative.
The Metropolitan Police’s policing of the marches has garnered criticism, including from within the government.
Concerns over Police Bias
A number of ministers expressed concerns regarding the adequacy of police repression against demonstrators whom they perceived as inciting hatred. Additionally, former home secretary Suella Braverman accused the force of being “biassed” in support of left-wing protesters.
Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, stated that his personnel “managed tensions constantly” and would “vigilantly enforce the law to the letter.”
Amid the protests, he added, there was a “gap” in the law regarding extremism and “potential for legislation to be considerably more stringent” in addressing it.
Mr. Twist stated on Wednesday that the “extremely, extremely large” weekend demonstrations posed an “acute challenge” for the force and its officers, in addition to the “chronic challenges of dealing with daily protests, activism, and demonstrations every single day.”
“Don’t miss out! Grab your free shares of Webull UK today!”
However, he maintained that the force’s reaction to the demonstrations had “developed into something more precise and resolute as the situation developed,” further emphasizing the significance of the “context” surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Additionally, the assistant commissioner stated that officers must be “alert” to the impact because it “resonates so loudly on the streets of London” and affects both Jewish and Muslim communities in the city.
“For this reason, we are devoting a great deal of time and energy to engaging with local communities,” the assistant commissioner continued.
In addition to over 16,000 visits to synagogues, mosques, and schools, [the Metropolitan Police] has established strategic partnerships with senior members of these communities throughout the capital.
