Emergency COBRA meeting called over UK’s terror threat level

DEPUTY PM Oliver Dowden will chair an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon amid fears of violence at this weekend's pro-Palestine protest.

Police chiefs and intelligence officials to attend

Police chiefs and intelligence officials are expected to attend the meeting in Downing Street and update senior ministers on the UK's terror threat level.

Focus on domestic terror attacks and cohesion

A No10 spokesperson said the session will be "particularly focused on terror attacks on the UK domestically and how we can address cohesion".

Metropolitan Police urges protesters to reconsider

It comes one day after the Metropolitan Police implored protesters to "urgently reconsider" any demonstrations over the Armistice weekend.

Fears of violence and disorder

Senior officers in the force are worried about breakaway groups intent on crime and disorder during the memorial events.

Home Secretary backs police statement

Home Secretary backed the Met's statement, adding: "I welcome this statement from the Met Police. The hate marchers need to understand that decent British people have had enough of these displays of thuggish intimidation and extremism."

Organizers decline to postpone demonstrations

Senior Met police met with organizers from a number of groups earlier today to discuss concerns. They declined to postpone any demonstrations.

Risk of violence and disorder is growing

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan added: "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."

Over 160 arrests made since October 7

Since October 7, more than 160 people have been arrested for a range of offenses, including racially motivated public offenses, violence, and assaulting police officers.

Prime Minister calls demos "provocative and disrespectful"

The move comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said any such demos would be "provocative and disrespectful".

Concerns about public order risks

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho earlier said "the culture of this country" will not accept disruption to the Remembrance commemorations as she revealed "very serious concerns" about public order risks.