Rishi Sunak has outlined two crucial promises he has demanded from the Met Police ahead of Remembrance Sunday, as London braces for protests.
Issuing a statement on the matter this afternoon, after meeting with Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley, the Prime Minister said the Met Police have "confirmed that the march will be away from the Cenotaph and they will ensure that the timings do not conflict with any Remembrance events"
In a statement, he said Saturday's planned protest "is not just disrespectful but offends our heartfelt gratitude to the memory of those who gave so much so that we may live in freedom and peace today".
But he added: "But part of that freedom is the right to peacefully protest."
Sunak continued: "And the test of that freedom is whether our commitment to it can survive the discomfort and frustration of those who seek to use it, even if we disagree with them. We will meet that test and remain true to our principles."
He added: “This afternoon I asked the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, to come to Downing Street and provide reassurances that the police are taking every step necessary to safeguard Remembrance services, provide reassurance to those who wish to pay their respects across the country and keep the public safe from disorder this weekend.
“It’s welcome that the police have confirmed that the march will be away from the Cenotaph and they will ensure that the timings do not conflict with any Remembrance events. There remains the risk of those who seek to divide society using this weekend as a platform to do so.
"That is what I discussed with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner in our meeting. The Commissioner has committed to keep the Met Police’s posture under constant review based on the latest intelligence about the nature of the protests.
“And finally, to our veterans and their families, I assure you that we will do everything it takes to protect this special weekend for you and our country, as we come together to reflect on those who protected our freedom.”
Earlier today, Sunak 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.
"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."
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.
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Sunak met with Police chief Mark Rowley this afternoon
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“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.
