Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council said:
Our hearts go out to the families and relatives of those killed and injured in the terrorist attacks which have shocked the world. The pictures unfolding from Israel are appalling along with the rising human cost of these hostilities in both Israel and Gaza.
In London and Westminster inevitably, emotions are running high in parts of the city. Westminster is traditionally a location for protests and marches, and we will work with the police and other partners to ensure the balance is struck between the right to protest and community safety. However, there must be zero tolerance of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and any other forms of hate so everyone can feel safe in our city.
Our role as the local authority is to work with the police to provide safety and reassurance to all our residents. With that in mind we have been reaching out to all communities to see what help we can offer, including support for places of worship and community buildings. Extra police resource is already being deployed and the council will provide whatever extra assistance is required.
Both police and the council are talking to community leaders to underline the need for calm and restraint. As events unfold in the Middle East, we will keep the level of resource we need under review.
The Metropolitan Police has also issued some relevant guidance for the public.
Find support and advice if you're affected by current events
Advice on staying safe at this time
How you can help
In response to the humanitarian crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected.
Published: 9 October 2023