PM condemns plans for pro-Palestine march in Central London
Rishi Sunak has criticized plans for a pro-Palestine march in Central London on Armistice Day, calling it "disrespectful." The march is expected to attract around 700,000 activists. The Prime Minister has vowed to hold Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley "accountable" if any violence breaks out during the event.
Meeting to discuss preventing clashes
Rishi Sunak is set to meet with Sir Mark Rowley to discuss how the police intend to prevent clashes and ensure public safety during the march. Ministers have urged the organizers to postpone the protest to a less sensitive date, but the Palestine Solidarity Campaign has refused to do so.
Met Police's power to ban a march
The Home Office can only ban a march if the Metropolitan Police advises that there is a serious risk of violence. So far, the police have given the go-ahead for the pro-Palestine march, but Sir Mark Rowley has called on the organizers to "urgently reconsider." He stated that there is no absolute power to ban a protest and that a protest will take place this weekend.
PM's stance on the marches
The Prime Minister has expressed his view that these marches are disrespectful. He plans to discuss this with Sir Mark Rowley during their meeting. Additionally, Rishi Sunak has requested information from the police on how they will ensure the safety of the public and the preservation of remembrance events during the march.
Met Commissioner's statement
Sir Mark Rowley, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, has stated that the laws created by Parliament are clear and that there is no absolute power to ban a protest. He emphasized that the organizers of the Palestine rally have shown willingness to stay away from the Cenotaph and Whitehall and have no intention of disrupting the nation's remembrance events. However, he also made it clear that if this were to change, the police would use their powers and conditions to protect important locations and events.
