Protesters in London gathered at the Cenotaph war memorial in Whitehall on Saturday after reports on social media that the memorial was “stripped of flags” and surrounded by barriers.
They arrived in the area shortly before the start of a mass pro-Palestine protest in Trafalgar Square, carrying British and English flags and holding banners that read: “Have respect for British heroes” and “Leave our statues alone”.
Nevertheless, the situation was resolved shortly after the police announced that they are taken down and removed each year in preparation for Armistice Weekend. The flags will be returned shortly.
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman said it was “entirely unacceptable to desecrate Armistice Day” as she defined “a hate march” through London.
Following the UK officials’ remarks, organisers of pro-Palestinian rallies issued a joint statement warning: “Such statements are encouraging the calls from far-rights activists and commentators who appear to be inciting action on the streets to stop the protests taking place and are deeply irresponsible.”
Rishi Sunak called the planned 11 November pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on Armistice Day “provocative and disrespectful”.
