Armistice protesters REFUSE to postpone events as Met Police beg groups to ‘urgently reconsider’

Earlier today senior officers met with organisers from a range of groups to discuss those concerns but they declined to postpone the demonstrations.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing.

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“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.”

Since the 7th October Hamas terror attack on Israel, more than 160 people have been arrested for a range of offences, including racially motivated public offences, violence and assaulting police officers.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman welcomed the statement from the Met Police, adding: “The hate marchers need to understand that decent British people have had enough of these displays of thuggish intimidation and extremism.”

The Met says there has been an escalation in violence and disorder linked to protests, often carried out by breakaway groups who “have no interest in demonstration causes.”

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Hate crime also continues to rise significantly, with one suspect using PA equipment arrested on Saturday on suspicion of making anti-Semitic comments.

More than 554 reports of anti-Semitic offences and 220 Islamophobic offences were received by the Met between 1 October and 1 November 2023.

Flags adorning the Cenotaph in Whitehall were moved while a “baying mob” of pro-Palestine protesters continued with demonstrations around London.

The flags were taken down ahead of Remembrance Sunday next weekend as the Department for Culture, Media & Sport confirmed their removal came as a result of a scheduled clean.

However, a number of commentators voiced discomfort about removing the flags from the UK's most notable monument dedicated to fallen soldiers.

The Cenotaph, which was unveiled in 1920, is usually flanked by the Royal Air Force ensign, Union flag, red ensign, blue ensign and white ensign.

Responding to concerns about the removal of the flags on social media, the Metropolitan Police said: “We have been in touch with the Department of Culture, Media & Sport who are responsible for the flags on the Cenotaph.

"They have confirmed that every year as part of preparations for Armistice Weekend they are removed and cleaned. They will be returned shortly.”

Security barriers have been erected around the Cenotaph amid concerns that the monument will be trashed in protests ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Last month, GB News’ Christopher Hope posted online: “It is very sad to see barriers protecting the Cenotaph on Whitehall today in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday next month.”