Rishi Sunak has issued a blunt warning to Metropolitan Police Chief Mark Rowley over his decision to greenlight a pro-Palestinian demonstration on Armistice Day.
The Prime Minister warned he will hold the Police "accountable" for the decision, dubbing the marches "disrespectful".
When asked about the protests, Sunak said: "This is a decision that the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has made and he has said that he can ensure that he safeguards remembrance for the country this weekend as well as keep the public safe.
"Now, my job is to hold them accountable for that.
Asked if he is worried about the desecration of war memorials after Rochdale Cenotaph was vandalised, Sunak said: "Desecration of war memorials is absolutely sickening"
GBN
"We've asked the police for information on how they will ensure that this happens and I'll be meeting the Metropolitan Police Commissioner later today to discuss these marches."
Speaking to broadcasters during a visit to a school in Lincolnshire, the PM added: "More broadly, my view is that these marches are disrespectful and that's what I'll be discussing with the police commissioner later today."
Asked if he is worried about the desecration of war memorials after Rochdale Cenotaph was vandalised, Sunak said: "Desecration of war memorials is absolutely sickening.
"This weekend will be about the country coming together to pay tribute and recognise the sacrifice of so many over so many years.
"That's what I'll be doing and I think that's what the majority of this country will be doing this weekend - marking that moment with the dignity and respect that it deserves."
But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hit back at Sunak, accusing him of “cowardice” for “picking a fight” with the Metropolitan Police.
He tweeted: “Remembrance events must be respected. Full stop.
“But the person the PM needs to hold accountable is his Home Secretary. Picking a fight with the police instead of working with them is cowardice.
“The Tories put party before country. Labour will deliver the change Britain needs.”
Police officers are guarding Rochdale Cenotaph after two incidents saw graffiti sprayed and a number of poppy wreaths damaged at the memorial.
There has been growing agitation over the prospect of protests taking place over the weekend.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden called a Cobra meeting to consider the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the UK, which escalated after Hamas' terror attack on Israel on October 7.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman yesterday said the meeting had been planned to "look at a wide range of areas but it’s obviously particularly focused on the impact of the terrorist attack on the UK domestically”.
It also looked at how to address important issues around “community cohesion”.
Previously, Downing Street said such protests would be "an affront to the public" if they go wrong.
The PM's official spokesman said: “To plan these sorts of protests in and around Armistice Day is provocative, it’s disrespectful.
Should memorials be desecrated or should we see some of the instances of racial hatred for which there were arrests at the weekend be expressed on these days? I think that would be an affront to the British public.”
The Metropolitan Police asked demonstrators planning to hold a pro-Palestinian rally in London on Armistice Weekend to “urgently reconsider” their protest, after having met with organisers from a range of groups yesterday to discuss concerns about the march.
Although the planned route will not go past the Cenotaph, the Met Police said organisers have declined to postpone the demonstration.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Prime Minister warned he will hold the Police "accountable" for the decision, dubbing the marches "disrespectful"
PA
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing. This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.
“Our message to organisers is clear: Please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend.”
Union bosses Mick Lynch, Matt Wrack and Daniel Kebede stood in solidarity with the pro-Palestinian protesters, saying they would be attending Saturday's march.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf - who had family trapped in Gaza - also threw his weight behind the movement, saying the marches should "absolutely" go ahead this weekend.
You may like
