Amidst backlash, Commissioner Mark Rowley supports sergeant’s decision at a protest, criticizes activists’ attempts to manipulate public perception

The head of the Metropolitan Police, Commissioner Mark Rowley, has openly praised a sergeant for his handling of an incident involving an antisemitism campaigner at a pro-Palestinian march. In a detailed discussion with The Guardian, Rowley emphasized that no disciplinary action would follow against the officer. He also expressed concern over what he described as attempts by activists to distort the police’s actions to damage their reputation.

The incident, which unfolded during a march through central London, involved a police sergeant advising Gideon Falter, a representative of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, that his presence could spark confrontations due to his visible Jewish symbols. Rowley justified the sergeant’s decision as a measure to prevent potential violence. He acknowledged that the officer’s choice of words could have been better, noting that the force had issued an apology for any offence caused.

Further complicating the Metropolitan Police’s position, video footage surfaced showing the officer suggesting Falter was being disingenuous about his reasons for crossing the protest route. Rowley explained that the officer’s broader intent was to maintain order and safety, aligning with the British policing tradition of minimizing public disorder.

In response to a storm of criticism and calls for his resignation, Rowley engaged in critical meetings with key political figures, including Home Secretary James Cleverly and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, along with representatives from British Jewish organizations. Despite these pressures, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak affirmed his confidence in Rowley’s leadership, contingent on his efforts to restore public trust.

Rowley critiqued the narrative surrounding the safety of Jewish individuals during pro-Palestinian marches as illogical. He outlined steps taken by the police to prevent escalations, such as blocking pro-Palestinian supporters from parading through predominantly Jewish neighbourhoods in North London.

Highlighting another layer of the issue, Rowley lamented the role of social media in exacerbating tensions. He cited an instance where an Asian officer was harassed online after being unknowingly photographed with a pro-Palestinian sticker. This, Rowley argued, was part of a broader pattern where activists target police to provoke reactions and distort public perception.

The debate over policing and protest management continues to evolve, with Rowley emphasizing the legal and operational limitations police face in managing demonstrations. He noted that while the police apply protest laws robustly, the decision to impose stricter controls on protests lies with Parliament, not the police force.

As the situation develops, the Metropolitan Police remain at the centre of a contentious debate over their handling of protests and their implications for community relations in London