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Rishi Sunak said there is a “clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated” amid reports that tens of thousands of demonstrators are planning to take to the streets to call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s attacks on Gaza, on Saturday November 11.
It would be “provocative and disrespectful”, the Prime Minister said.
There are fears the march could disrupt the two-minute silence commemorating the war dead and the daytime and evening Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, with the latter performance usually attended by royals.
My statement on the disrespectful protests planned for Armistice Day. pic.twitter.com/bik539rDqn
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 3, 2023
However, leaders of the protest have explained they do not plan to be in the vicinity of the Cenotaph.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Sunak said: “To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.
“The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected.
“I have asked the Home Secretary (Suella Braverman) to support the Met Police in doing everything necessary to protect the sanctity of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.”
The army should be called in for Remembrance Day ‘demonstration’ says MP.
Do you agree?https://t.co/YjK6gcpBdM— Rachel (@RachelA1892) November 2, 2023
Security minister Tom Tugendhat has written to the Mayor of London, Westminster Council and the Metropolitan Police, “asking them to look very carefully at the powers that they have and to consider what options they have available”.
“Personally I don’t think this is an appropriate moment for a protest”, Mr…
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