Al-Quds Day: Origins, Controversy, and the 2026 London Ban

Thousands were expected to march in London on Sunday, March 15, 2026, for Al-Quds Day, an annual demonstration expressing solidarity with Palestine. However, the march was banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood due to concerns over public disorder amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East The Guardian. This marks the first protest march ban in the UK since 2012.

What is Al-Quds Day?

Al-Quds Day, meaning “Jerusalem” in Arabic, was established in 1979 by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran The Guardian, MSN, The Jerusalem Post. It is observed internationally as a day to demonstrate support for Palestinians and protest against Israeli policies.

The London March and the Ban

The annual London march is organized by the UK Al-Quds Committee, with the Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) playing a central role The Guardian. Organizers have maintained that the march has been peaceful for over 40 years, aiming to highlight the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank The Guardian.

However, the Metropolitan Police requested the ban, and Home Secretary Mahmood agreed, citing the potential for serious public disorder due to the scale of the protest and anticipated counter-protests in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East The Guardian.

Controversies and Criticisms

The march has faced criticism over the years. The IHRC has been accused of being closely associated with the Iranian regime Yahoo News UK. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the IHRC as “in essence a front organisation for the Iranian regime” Yahoo News UK. Massoud Shadjareh, chairman of the IHRC, has denied these claims, stating that the organization is independent and does not receive funding from any government Yahoo News UK.

Past marches have likewise drawn attention for the display of Hezbollah flags and signs considered antisemitic The Guardian.

Static Protest Planned

Despite the ban on the march, the IHRC announced plans to proceed with a static demonstration The Guardian, arguing that the ban was politically motivated and not based on genuine security concerns The Guardian.