05 November 2023 , 23:15
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War heroes who lost limbs in battle have pleaded with pro-Palestine march organisers to cancel next Saturday's Armistice Day protest.
A number of MPs have warned against any planned demonstrations, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying any disruption on Armistice Day would be "provocative and disrespectful". He says that there is a risk war memorials such as the Cenotaph in London could be "desecrated".
Pro-Palestinian protests have been held in London, and other cities across the world, each Saturday since the Israel-Gaza war began last month. The Met Police is planning a "significant" operation next weekend, despite organisers stressing there are no plans to march near memorial areas.
Sergeant Jay Baldwin, 38, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, told The Sun: “What is happening in the Middle East is terrible but next weekend is when we remember those who have fallen whilst defending our freedom and our life as it is today. It’s not a time for political demos.”
Former Staff Sergeant Wayne Ingram added: “Those who are taking part must show some respect for our veterans - if anything happened to war memorials around the country, it may well be a prelude to veterans kicking off they feel so angry.”
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Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden voiced “grave concerns” over the scheduling of a march on Armistice Day. Speaking to Sky News, Mr Dowden highlighted the sensitive nature of the day and pointed out that such demonstrations could possibly lead to unrest or be misconstrued as a sign of intimidation, especially towards the Jewish community.
"I think that, at a time that is meant to be a solemn remembrance of the sacrifice of previous generations and upholding our British values, I think the police need to think very carefully about the safety of that demonstration,” he said.
PM Mr Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman have already expressed concern about the prospect of further pro-Palestine protests next Saturday . The Met said it “fully appreciated the national significance of Armistice Day” and pledged to deploy thousands of officers in an “extensive security operation”.
“We will use all powers and tactics at our disposal to ensure that anyone intent on disrupting it will not succeed,” the force added.