Met Police warn of 'wholly unacceptable' intimidation as Holborn and St Pancras by-election canvassers face protests

From the Newshound archive · first published 3 October 2026.

Police in Holborn and St Pancras have arrested several people following clashes between protesters and canvassers, with Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman cautioning that the Met anticipates further disorder this weekend ahead of polling day on Thursday 8 October. Harman said political parties must be given space to campaign lawfully in a democracy. The by-election came about when Sir Keir Starmer vacated the seat earlier this month.

As many as half a dozen protests are expected across London next week, with the third anniversary of the October 7 attack drawing near.

Harman explicitly rejected accusations of 'two-tier' policing, insisting arrests were made on a 'clear policing purpose' only.