Met Police have warned they will use force to control demonstrations occurring on Armistice Day as thousands of activists are set to march through the streets of London.
Protesters have been banned from the area around the Cenotaph in Whitehall as officers will form a “ring of steel” around the Remembrance monument.
Police chiefs say that anyone “believed to be part of, or associated with, the pro-Palestinian demonstration trying to assemble in this area can be arrested”.
He said: “The events taking place this weekend are of great significance and importance to our nation.
“I completely recognise the significant public and political concern about the impact of ongoing protest and demonstrations on this moment of national reflection.
“Therefore I am determined we will do everything in our power to ensure they pass without disruption.
“The laws created by Parliament are clear. There is no absolute power to ban protest, therefore there will be a protest this weekend.”
Met Police have said exclusion zones will be imposed in several key areas of London today in a bid to prevent activists from overshadowing Armistice Day, a top officer has said.
Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance and other relevant areas will see pro-Palestine demonstrators banned.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor warned: “I hope we don’t, but I think it’s likely you will see police having to use force to manage some of the situations that we have to deal with.
“And at times that might look messy.”
Pro-Palestinian protesters clash with police ahead of Armistice DayPA
Hello there,
My name is Oliver Trapnell and I’ll be helping to run this Remembrance weekend live blog today.
I’ll be keeping you up to date on all the latest events happening over the next two days.
Got a story? Email me at oliver.trapnell@gbnews.uk