Scotland Yard Faces Backlash
Home Secretary Suella Braverman will meet with Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to demand answers about the handling of protesters who chanted 'jihad' and displayed antisemitic signs over the weekend. The Metropolitan Police faced criticism after tweeting that the word 'jihad' has "many meanings".
'Completely Unacceptable'
Home Office minister Robert Jenrick criticized the chanting of 'jihad' on the streets of London, calling it "completely unacceptable" and stating that it incites terrorist violence. He expressed surprise at the Metropolitan Police's analysis of the issue.
No Offences Identified
The Met responded to a video of a Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain protest where a man can be heard chanting 'jihad'. The police stated that the word has multiple meanings and that no offences were identified in the specific video. Specialist counter-terrorism officers and Crown Prosecution Service lawyers reviewed the footage and reached the same conclusion.
Crackdown on Incitement to Hatred and Violence
Home Secretary Suella Braverman will discuss the handling of the protests with the Metropolitan Police commissioner and seek an explanation for the response to the incidents. Braverman will emphasize that there is no place for incitement to hatred or violence on British streets and urge the police to take action against those breaking the law.
Government Supports Full Force of the Law
Transport Secretary Mark Harper expressed his concern over the chanting at the weekend protests and stated that the government believes the full force of the law should be used. He acknowledged that the police are operationally independent but emphasized the need for them to explain their decisions.
Tube Driver Leads Chants of 'Free Palestine'
Outrage is growing over a video of a Tube driver leading passengers in chanting "Free Palestine." Transport for London officials claimed that they do not know who was responsible and are under pressure to take action.
