Brits fume as Cenotaph flags 'stripped' for 'cleaning' as 'baying mob' continues pro-Palestine protests

However, a number of commentators voiced discomfort about removing the flags from the UK's most notable monument dedicated to fallen soldiers.

The Cenotaph, which was unveiled in 1920, is usually flanked by the Royal Air Force ensign, Union flag, red ensign, blue ensign and white ensign.

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Responding to concerns about the removal of the flags on social media, the Metropolitan Police said: "We have been in touch with the Department of Culture, Media & Sport who are responsible for the flags on the Cenotaph.

"They have confirmed that every year as part of preparations for Armistice Weekend they are removed and cleaned. They will be returned shortly."

Pro-Palestine protesters arrived at Trafalgar Square earlier today amid growing calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

However, a number of rival campaigners stood in front of the Cenotaph waving both Union flags and the flag of St George.

Counter-demonstrators received plaudits from many on social media but a lot of users still voiced concern about the need to remove flags from the Cenotaph.

GB News presenter Martin Daubney asked: "The Union flag is down at the Cenotaph during the pro-Palestine march, leading some to believe this was done so as to not provoke those marching Police claim the flags have been removed to be cleaned.

"Which begs the question: Why is there only one set of flags?!"

Brexiteer Viscount Matt Ridley said: "As a great grandson of the architect who designed the Cenotaph, I deeply resent the fact that it has to be fenced off and stripped of flags to appease yet again a baying mob that supports or excuses those who perpetrated a horrific atrocity."

Commentator David Atherton added: "The Cenotaph right now. Stripped of flags, surrounded by barriers. What an awful country Britain has become."

GB News understands pro-Palestine activists and those protecting the Cenotaph hurled abuse at each other as the demonstration moved towards Whitehall.

But Scotland Yard blockaded Whitehall in a bid to keep pro-Palestinian protesters away from Union flag wavers on the opposite side of the Cenotaph.

The atmosphere remained febrile as the theme tune of Dambusters was drowned out by cries of "Israel is a terror state" and "shame on you".

Rishi Sunak yesterday encouraged hundreds of thousands of activists not to travel to London next weekend as pro-Palestine protesters prepare to continue demonstrations on Armistice Day.

The Prime Minister, who will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday next weekend, labelled the potential protest as both "provocative" and "disrespectful".

He said: "There is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for."

Sunak added: "The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected."

However, two pro-Palestine campaign groups revealed activists have "no plans" to march towards the Cenotaph, adding: "We understand the sensitivity of the date."

A former aide to Margaret Thatcher heaped pressure on the Prime Minister to intervene.

Nile Gardiner said: "The British Government has to stand up for the British people, enforce the rule of law, ensure the streets are safe and ensure that the evils of anti-Semitism, the evils of Islamist terrorism and extremism are fundamentally defeated."

Ex-Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage also urged Sunak to do more, adding: "But he won't because he is gutless."

Pro-Palestine protesters have targeted other monuments, including statues dedicated to former Prime Minister David Lloyd George and First World War commander Field Marshal Douglas Haig.

A Black Lives Matter protester previously attempted to set alight a flag on the Cenotaph in June 2020.