India-Pakistan protest: Protestors descend on Indian Embassy in London

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Ayoub Khan, independent MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, says he is expecting widespread protests in Britain as the conflict between India and Pakistan escalates.

The Pakistani-Kashmiri politician said: "Many communities are feeling the distress emanating from the region, and it is crucial for emotions to not run high."

"British Pakistanis, Kashmiris and Indians are all worrying for loved ones overseas at present, and it is vital that we do not compare or diminish the relative pain being felt by either community," he told The Telegraph.

"I expect there to be protests and rallies, but I appeal for people to stay calm. It is imperative that our communities come together to promote the principles of humanity and not division, and vital that the government does its utmost to broker an immediate end to hostilities."

Demonstrators outside the Indian Embassy in London have begun chanting "We want peace" as the number of people holding signs and Pakistani flags continues to grow near King's College in Aldwych.

Protestors outside the Indian Embassy have blocked commuters from getting home according to one X user who said their bus stop was closed to facilitate this evening's demonstration against India's missile strikes on Pakistan on Tuesday. The demonstration began at around 5:30pm with a call for "overseas Pakistanis [to] stand against [the] Indian war agenda".

Barricades with Pakistani flags have been set up outside the Indian Embassy in London as a protest against Indian strikes on Pakistan begins. While demonstrators appear to be thin on the ground, videos show a heavy police presence outside the embassy building.

Hundreds of people are expected to attend a protest against Indian missile strikes in Pakistan this evening, according to reports.

Organisers estimated a turnout of "several hundred" people, as per Britannia Daily, and asked demonstrators to bring Pakistani flags, placards and signs demanding "justice for Kashmir".

Those already at the scene have reportedly begun chanting "free Kashmir", "end the bombing" and "the UK must act now". Leaflets being circulated around the area in Aldwych are understood to call on the government to publicly condemn the missile strikes.

Demonstrations were launched in Karachi, Pakistan following Indian strikes in the country and its occupied territory on Tuesday. Protestors took to the streets of Pakistani cities Karachi and Peshwar after tensions between the two nuclear-armed powers threatened to boil over this week.

The UK government has renewed its calls for "restraint" between India and Pakistan following missile strikes in Pakistani-controlled territory.

Ahead of a protest outside the High Commission of India in Aldwych this evening, Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said it was "an incredibly delicate moment in an evolving and fast-moving situation", telling MPs that "if this escalates further, nobody wins".

Despite his calls for unity "across religious and ethical differences", Mr Falconer faced opposition from other MPs who called on the government to align itself with either India or Pakistan. The strikes were claimed as retaliation for last month's massacre of Indian tourists, while Pakistan has labelled it an act of war.

The Foreign Office has warned anyone in the region against travelling within 10 kilometres (six miles) of the India-Pakistan border.

A statement said: “On the night of 6 May (UK Time), the Indian Ministry of Defence stated it had struck nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

“In response, there are reports of Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control.

“On the night of 6 May (UK Time) Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority indicated that it was closing Pakistan airspace for at least 48 hours. There are reports of flights being diverted. British nationals should contact their airline for up-to-date information.

“We are continuing to monitor the situation closely. British nationals should stay up to date with our travel advice and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Missiles hit six locations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and in the country's eastern Punjab province on Tuesday (May 6), killing at least 26 people, including women and children, according to Pakistan's military spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif.

India claims it has “evidence pointing towards the clear involvement of Pakistan-based terrorists” in the Pahalgam attack on April 22, but Pakistan has denied any link to the attack.

Officials have said 38 people were injured by the strikes. Another five people were killed in Pakistan during exchanges of fire across the border later on Tuesday.

India also said it hit infrastructure used by militants linked to last month's tourist massacre in the Indian-controlled portion on Kashmir.

Protesters have taken to social media to promote the demonstration set to take place at 5:30pm today, Wednesday May 7. 

"Last night, Indian forces launched an unprovoked attack inside Pakistan’s territory, targeting innocent civilians. We cannot stay silent!" said one on X (formerly Twitter).

"Stand united for Pakistan."

Officers from the Met Police will be in attendance at the protest to ensure it passes peacefully.

“We’re aware of a planned protest outside the Indian High Commission this evening," a spokesperson for Met Police said. "Officers will be deployed to ensure it takes place peacefully and that any incidents or offences are swiftly dealt with.”

A post on social media about the protest reads: “Join us - raise your voice for Pakistan. Overseas Pakistanis stand against Indian war agenda.”

Protesters are set to descend on the High Commission of India, Aldwych, near King's College, later today in support of Pakistan after India launched missile strikes. 

At least 26 people, including a child, have been killed and dozens wounded after India fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory.

At 5.30pm today, protesters are set to gather at the High Commission of India in Aldwych, to “join hands, raise flags” and “defend Pakistan’s honour.”

Welcome to this live blog, where we will cover the action from the High Commission of India in London as protesters gather.

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