The Metropolitan Police are preparing to create a ‘ring of steel’ to prevent any potential trouble during the upcoming Remembrance events. This is due to concerns that a pro-Palestine protest may clash with the Armistice Day parades. To reinforce their ranks, police chiefs have cancelled leave, extended overtime, and brought in an additional 1,000 officers from across the country. Senior public order officers will be given instructions to immediately crack down on any criminal activity or violence.
Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has refused to ban pro-Palestine rallies on Armistice Day, stating that he legally does not have the power to do so. However, he has not ruled out taking action if protesters disrupt the remembrance events. He has emphasized that the force will protect locations and events of national importance at all costs.
On the same day as the Cenotaph holds a two-minute silence for fallen servicemen and women, more than 70,000 people are expected to gather in London to protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The police are preparing for this large-scale demonstration while ensuring the safety and solemnity of the remembrance events.
The Metropolitan Police have taken significant measures to ensure the security of the Remembrance events. They have cancelled leave, extended overtime, and brought in additional officers from across the country. Senior public order officers have been instructed to crack down on any criminality or violence. Despite not having the power to ban pro-Palestine rallies, the police chief has made it clear that action will be taken if the remembrance events are disrupted. The police are prepared for the large-scale protest in London while prioritizing the protection of locations and events of national importance.Sir Mark, the head of the Metropolitan Police, has refused to ban pro-Palestine rallies on Armistice Day, stating that he legally does not have the power to do so. More than 70,000 people are expected to gather in London on Saturday to protest against Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. The Met is also facing challenges from the far-Right, with concerns that clashes may occur between members and protesters.
Sir Mark explained that he cannot ban the demonstration simply because some people believe it should not happen. He emphasized that the laws created by Parliament are clear and do not provide absolute power to ban protests. However, the law does allow for the imposition of conditions to reduce disruption and the risk of violence. In extreme cases, marches or moving protests can be banned, although this power is rarely used and is reserved for situations where there is intelligence suggesting a real threat of serious disorder.
Sir Mark noted that the organizers of Saturday’s march have shown a willingness to stay away from the Cenotaph and Whitehall and have no intention of disrupting the nation’s remembrance events. However, he made it clear that if this were to change, the police would use their powers and available conditions to protect important locations and events at all costs.
There have been reports of football hooligans planning to team up and protect the Cenotaph from pro-Palestine protestors this weekend. The police are aware of this and will be prepared to handle any potential disturbances.The use of the power to block moving protests should be reserved for cases where there is intelligence indicating a genuine threat of serious disorder, according to Sir Mark Rowley. He emphasized that this power is “incredibly rare” and should not be used unless there is credible evidence of a real threat. An example of such a threat was seen when pro-Palestinian demonstrators disturbed a poppy vendor counter.
During a visit to the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in London, Queen Camilla placed a memorial cross. This visit took place ahead of Armistice Day, marking the 95th year of the Field of Remembrance.
Sir Mark Rowley clarified that he could not ban Saturday’s demonstration simply because some people felt it should not take place. He emphasized the importance of intelligence suggesting a real threat of serious disorder as the basis for using the power to block moving protests.
In related news, two teenagers were arrested after a war memorial in Rochdale was vandalized with the words “Free Palestine” and poppy wreaths were destroyed.London is bracing for a potentially volatile situation as thousands of people, including far-Right groups, are expected to gather for a rally against Israeli attacks on Gaza. One group, called ‘Football Lads Against Extremism’, claims that veterans have asked for their support in order to prevent disruption of the Remembrance Day parade by far-Left and pro-Palestine supporters. They are urging football fans across the country to stand with veterans who fought for freedom. Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, is also rallying his peers to join him on Saturday. He recently wrote on social media, “Saturday 11/11/11 London, your country needs you.” Robinson spoke of a group of men willing to stand up for their country in a video. These developments come after concerns were raised about a potential extreme Right-wing terrorist backlash if the pro-Palestine demonstration proceeds. Scotland Yard has approved the pro-Palestine rally on Armistice Day, stating that it does not have the power to ban the protest. The country’s top police officer, Sir Mark, emphasized that a ban could only be justified if there was a real threat of serious disorder. Despite fears of violent clashes between marchers and Right-wing activists, the rally’s organizers have refused to postpone the event. The organizers have also disregarded criticism from politicians such as Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman, who have called the event disrespectful and a hate march. Previous rallies have resulted in injuries to officers, displays of extremist imagery, and numerous arrests for anti-Semitic chanting.
