Palestinian march on Remembrance Day ‘risks it kicking off’ as Met Police vow to use all their powers

On Remembrance Day the Metropolitan Police have said they will use all their powers to stop any disruptions by pro-Palestinian protests.

There are fears the “million strong” Palestinian march could disrupt the two-minute silence which commemorates those who died in the war.

Met Police said they will have officers deployed across London over that weekend which will be part of “significant policing and security operation.”

The Met said, “This is a weekend with huge national significance.

“We will use all the powers available to us to ensure anyone intent on disrupting it will not succeed.”

They added, “We’re absolutely committed to ensuring the safety and security of anyone attending commemorative events.”

Rich Jones, who joined the British army in 1988 and left in 1995, told the Express that veterans are protective of Remembrance Day.

He said, “I’m not going to say it will definitely kick off, but it will certainly run the risk of kicking off.

“It’s a very risky thing to do, it’s really risky. I wouldn’t want to be around on one of those days.”

Organisers of the Palestinian protest have said they will avoid the Whitehall area where the Cenotaph war memorial is based.

Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA) spokesman Ismail Patel said, “We definitely will not be at the Cenotaph. We understand the sensitivity of the date.”

Crawley MP Henry Smith said in a warning to the Express, “After consecutive weekends of demonstrations where the Cenotaph and other national monuments have been grossly disrespected, it’s completely inappropriate for further protests to be held over Remembrance weekend.

“I don’t have confidence in the Mayor of London or Metropolitan Police under him to properly handle the situation given their past poor record, and call on the Government to consider deploying military assistance.”

Smith added, “The fact that this even needs considering is a sad reflection on the ability so far to appropriately police what have been some appalling scenes.”

Susan Hall, the Tory candidate for Mayor of London, told the Express the planned Palestinian protest will be “very disruptive to the Remembrance Sunday commemoration.”

She said, “Sadiq Khan needs to get a grip and start taking responsibility for keeping Londoners safe. These protests have already caused a great deal of anxiety, especially amongst the Jewish community, and will likely be very disruptive to the Remembrance Sunday commemoration.

“It is vital that the police have the resources and political backing they need to do their jobs, and when I am Mayor, I will ensure they always do.”