Nine Met officers injured as pressure mounts on Suella Braveman - updates

Brown booed by activists at Glasgow rally

Scotland's former justice secretary was booed by pro-Palestinian activists at a rally in Glasgow after saying Israel has a right to "defend itself against terrorism".

Keith Brown, who served in the position under Nicola Sturgeon, spoke at the event on Saturday in front of a large crowd at the city's Buchanan Street steps.

The rally - which also saw an emotional speech from an eight-year-old Palestinian girl - coincided with others in Scotland's cities, including in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as a highly publicised march in London.

The first speaker during the rally, Mr Brown said he was speaking in a personal capacity, as opposed to as the SNP's depute leader and a former minister.

Keith Brown talks to the crowd (Reach plc)

Politicians voice support for Gove after he was mobbed

Footage of Michael Gove being mobbed by protesters in Victoria Station has seen other politicians express solidarity with the Levelling Up minister.

Dame Arlene Foster, former first minister of Northern Ireland, tweeted: "This is so disgraceful.

"Sending solidarity to @michaelgove and all those who seek to go about their private business on a Saturday afternoon but who are intimidated by thugs."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan described attempts to intimidate politicians as "unacceptable".

Send terrorists to the electric chair, says Israel's new extreme right minister

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said: "It's not 'bizarre' for Michael Gove to use a major tube/train station. He should be able to travel in peace like everyone else.

"Those acting in this fashion damage their cause and, along with those displaying abhorrent antisemitism amongst the rally today, must be condemned."

Michael Gove is escorted through Victoria Station (Ehimetalor Unuabona / Story Picture Agency)

Sunak faces intensifying calls to sack Braverman for stoking tensions ahead of protests

Rishi Sunak is facing intensifying calls to sack Suella Braverman for stoking tensions ahead of Armistice Day protests, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing the Home Secretary of spawning "hatred and distrust".

Pressure mounted on Mrs Braverman amid scenes of far-right violence towards officers on Saturday, after she branded pro-Palestinian demonstrators "hate marchers" and accused the police of bias for letting the rally go ahead.

Dozens of counter-protesters were arrested, including many trying to confront those participating in the march which Mr Sunak and Mrs Braverman had urged police to ban.

Sir Keir said few public figures "have done more recently to whip up division" than the Home Secretary.
The Labour leader said her and the Prime Minister's treatment of the police and protesters showed a "lack of respect for this country's values and its principles".

Mr Sunak has so far maintained confidence in his Home Secretary, even after a week in which ministers distanced themselves from her claims homelessness is a "lifestyle choice".

There has been speculation that the Prime Minister will carry out a ministerial reshuffle, which could see Mrs Braverman moved, but not before next week's Supreme Court ruling on the Rwanda deportation policy championed by her.

But her incendiary language on "pro-Palestinian mobs" has angered many, including within the Tory party, with demands for her to go increasing.

Police on Whitehall in Central London ahead of the protests (George Cracknell Wright)

Police release images of people they wish to identify

The Met has posted a thread on X of images of people during the protests today who they wish to identify.

Following today's pro-Palestinian demonstration we're looking to identifying individuals in the thread below.
Anyone who can help us identify this person should call 101, giving reference 1235186/23.
Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 pic.twitter.com/7JzXWlF6gi

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023

Met to publish images of those suspected of committing crimes during march

Police will publish images of suspects believed to have committed offences during the march today.

Assistant Commissioner Mark Twist said: "Locating and intercepting suspects in a crowd of the size we saw today will always be challenging, but we were further limited in our ability to do so due to the number of officers we had to deploy, from early in the day, in response to violence from the right wing groups in central London.

"We will soon publish images of some of those we suspect have committed these offences and as we have shown in recent weeks, we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to identify suspects and take action even after the conclusion of protests."

Gove pictured being escorted through station by police

Michael Gove was mobbed by protesters as he walked through London’s Victoria station, moments after a sit-in protest for Palestine ended.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators chanted “shame on you” as the communities secretary, escorted by police officers, made his way through the concourse. Video footage posted on X shows a number of protesters waving flags and surging towards Gove as officers pushed them away and shouted at them to “get back”.

Gove was reportedly on his way to get a train at the central London station on Saturday evening.

Michael Gove is escorted through Victoria Station (Maciek Musialek / Story Picture Agency)

Johnson denounced antisemitism displayed on march

Boris Johnson has denounced antisemitism displayed by some on the pro-Palestinian march.

Without mentioning cases of far-right violence on Armistice Day, the former prime minister said on social media site X: "Almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War it is shocking to hear nakedly anti-Semitic chants on the streets of London today.

"There are people who plainly want to ignore the Hamas massacre of October 7. They want to wipe Israel off the map. That is what they were chanting for today. They must not and will not succeed.

"I thank the police for all their efforts to keep people safe - but we must all do more, because an ancient hatred is rising again in Europe. It must be stamped out."

Almost 80 years after the end of the Second World War it is shocking to hear nakedly anti-Semitic chants on the streets of London today. There are people who plainly want to ignore the Hamas massacre of October 7. They want to wipe Israel off the map. That is what they were…

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 11, 2023

Nine police officers injured by far right thugs and protesters on London's day of chaos

Police officers suffered a fractured elbow and dislocated hip during clashes with right-wing counter-protesters in London today.

A total of nine cops were injured as at least 126 arrests were made during a difficult day as Palestine Solidarity Campaign's march calling for a ceasefire in Gaza was met by thugs.

The force said many of those causing trouble were football hooligans from across the UK, who were prevented from reaching the Cenotaph as a Remembrance service was taking place.

Click here to read the full story

Tommy Robinson was among the counter-protesters

Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, was seen among the crowds of counter-protesters.

He was pictured looking on as police blocked the way to the Cenotaph.

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson looks on as the police block the access to the Cenotaph (ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

'Disturbing Cenotaph violence was direct result of Suella Braverman's behaviour'

It was deeply disturbing to see the scenes of unacceptable aggression and disorder from the far right near the Cenotaph and in parts of central London yesterday.

Just minutes before a moment of national silence to remember all those who have lost their lives while serving our country, we saw far-right thugs attacking the police. Sadly, these scenes were predictable after a week of efforts from some to stoke tensions and cause unrest.

Emotions have understandably been running high because of the events in the Middle East, and what we needed last week was for everyone to play their part in calming the situation and to work with the police do their job.

Click here to read Sadiq Khan's full Mirror column

Police officers detain a man in the street close to the 'National March For Palestine' in central London (AFP via Getty Images)

Khan pays tribute to police for handling of protests

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan paid tribute to police for handling Armistice Day protests as he condemned cases of far-right violence and "hate and racism" at the pro-Palestinian march.

In a statement, he said: "I'd like to pay tribute to the Met police who have dealt with a very difficult day with exceptional professionalism. The overwhelming majority of people who used their democratic right to protest on the streets of London today did so peacefully.

"Sadly however, we have seen far-right thugs attacking the police and some who have used the pro-Palestinian protest to spread hate and racism, including antisemitism. This is unacceptable - as is attempting to intimidate politicians.

"The far right have clearly been encouraged and emboldened by what they have heard this week, including from senior politicians like the Home Secretary. I hope everyone takes the time to reflect on the impact their words and actions can have on others.

"The Met have my full support in taking action, without fear or favour, against those who broke the law. I continue to support them in taking a zero-tolerance approach against anyone found committing violent offences or spreading hate."

The scenes of disorder we witnessed by the far-right at the Cenotaph are a direct result of the Home Secretary’s words. The police's job has been made much harder.

The Met have my full support to take action against anyone found spreading hate and breaking the law.

— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) November 11, 2023

Campaign Against Antisemitism responds to march

The Campaign Against Antisemitism says the Jewish community is "terrified" in a statement in response to today's march.

It said: “This weekend, some people in London are honouring those who fought murderous antisemites in the past to protect our freedoms, and others are parading to glorify murderous antisemites in the present who want to kill all Jews and destroy the Jewish state. Many others, who may not be shouting genocidal chants or wearing Hamas headbands or holding signs comparing Israel to Nazis or prominent minority politicians to coconuts, are knowingly and readily marching alongside them. They are just as complicit.

“Naturally, the Jewish community is terrified. We are aware of Jewish families being targeted on their way out of synagogue and have received multiple reports of police having to escort congregants away in groups for their own safety. The placards today bore slogans and imagery that would not have looked out of place in Nazi Germany. Islamist extremists, the far-left and the far-right were out on the streets, all on one day. What a day to be a Jew in London.

“While we welcome the more significant number of arrests this week, the overall policing policy in relation to these demonstrations is woeful. This march should never have been allowed to go ahead, and Sir Mark Rowley has serious questions to answer. Perhaps he should do so to Britain’s Jews, whom he is failing.”

Police estimate protest figure was actually around 300,000

Police estimate 300,000 pro-Palestinian protesters were involved in the central London march today - the biggest UK rally since the Israel-Gaza war began.

Organisers have claimed the figure was around 800,000.

Officers detain around 150 people in breakaway group

The Metropolitan Police said officers have detained around 150 people from the pro-Palestinian demonstration in Grosvenor Place.

A statement posted on the social media site X, said: “Officers have detained a breakaway group of around 150 people from the pro-Palestinian demonstration in Grosvenor Place.

“The group were firing fireworks and many are wearing face coverings.

“Officers are using their Section 60 and 60AA powers to detain and search those involved.”

Officers have detained a breakaway group of around 150 people from the pro-Palestinian demonstration in Grosvenor Place.

The group were firing fireworks and many are wearing face coverings. Officers are using their Section 60 and 60AA powers to detain and search those involved. pic.twitter.com/4P1yzpFQcD

— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023

Gove mobbed by protesters at Victoria Station

Cabinet minister Michael Gove was mobbed by pro-Palestinian protestors at London's Victoria Station this afternoon.

A source close to Gove told the BBC he had been returning from his constituency in Surrey Heath and had to be bundled into a police van.

Videos posted on social media appear to show the levelling up secretary being physically ushered through the station by police officers as crowds waving Palestinian flags shouted "shame on you".

Michael Gove mobbed by Palestine protesters at Victoria station pic.twitter.com/yNNWD99hAT

— Jake Wallis Simons (@JakeWSimons) November 11, 2023

Pro-Palestinian protester says 'no better way' to honour Armistice Day

An engineer who attended the pro-Palestinian marches in Park Lane, Westminster, described the protests as being "no better way" to honour Armistice Day.

Inayat Bunglawala, 54, from Luton, said the marches were appropriate, despite some being against the demonstration taking place on the same day as Armistice.

Speaking amidst the crowds on Bressenden Place, Mr Bunglawala told the PA news agency: "Armistice Day is meant to commemorate the end of the First World War and the ceasefire that came along with it to end the bloodshed. I think there is no better way to honour Armistice Day than to call for an end to the current bloodshed in Gaza."

The network engineer described the crowds as "colossal" and said people were "deeply respectful of Armistice Day", despite the marches being described as a "hate march" by Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

"I saw a colossal crowd coming out with ordinary members of the public and families," he said.

"I'm really happy that a huge crowd has come out. Despite all the intimidatory rhetoric from the Home Secretary, the Prime Minister, other ministers... People have still come out to exercise their democratic rights."

Police say five men and two women arrested in Glasgow

Police Scotland said five men and two women had been arrested in Glasgow in relation to protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

A spokesperson said: "There were a number of demonstrations throughout Scotland today in relation to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"In total there were seven arrests, five men and two women, made in separate incidents linked to the demonstrations, all in Glasgow city centre."

PM Rishi Sunak slams 'violent actions' by far-right groups on pro-Palestinian march

Rishi Sunak has condemned the "violent, wholly unacceptable" actions by far-right groups and Hamas sympathisers during the pro-Palestinian march and said all criminality must be met with the "full and swift force of the law".

The PM's statement, posted on social media site X, said: "I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the EDL and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine.

"The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully. Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. What we have seen today does not defend the honour of our Armed Forces, but utterly disrespects them.

Click here to read the full story

Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms.

The unacceptable scenes today disrespect their memory. pic.twitter.com/vVyqSB7oi2

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 11, 2023

Police deal with counter-protesters in Grovner Place amid 'go home' chants

A group of counter-protesters were removed by police near The Peninsula this afternoon.

Video shows officers leading one man through a crowd in Grovner Place around 3pm. Chants of "go home" from the pro-Palestinian protesters can be heard.

A witness said: "The march was peaceful then all of a sudden far right protesters came to antagonise, yell racial slurs and try to fight. Young children were present and it had been fine until they tried to disturb the peace."

Police confirm 105 arrest made with 'many linked to football hooliganism'

Police say 105 arrests have been made so far, with the "vast majority" being among the counter-protesters.

Scotland Yard sources told the BBC many of the counter-protesters arrested are connected to football hooliganism, and some of them have previous convictions for football violence.

Police Federation chief says today spotlighted policing in 'challenging' situation

Steve Hartshorn, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales - which represents rank and file officers, said: "Today's events have spotlighted policing throughout a challenging, volatile, situation.

"The amount of operational planning leading up to the event, and the hard work of highly skilled, public order-trained police officers on the front line, making decisions in the face of unpredictability, truly is impressive.

"We will continue to support all members before, during and after delivering policing operations, including ensuring they have access to the best equipment, conditions and remuneration as they carry out this immensely physically demanding work, working incredibly long shifts, to keep the public as safe as possible."

Pro-Palestine supporters clash with police outside pub

Police rush in at Trafalgar Square as pro Palestine supporters clash with police.

A man at The Admiralty pub took a Palestine flag from a white convertible Mercedes.

A scuffle then broke out before police rushed in.

A group of men at the pub chanted ‘England’.

No arrests were seen being made.

Pro-Palestinian protesters stage sit-in at Waterloo Station

Pro-Palestinian protesters have staged a sit-in at Waterloo Station.

The British Transport Police (BTP) said officers were urging people to disperse after an order was put in place prohibiting trespassory assembly at a number of London train stations.

BTP said in a post on X: "Following engagement with protest liaison officers, protesters are refusing to leave Waterloo Station as agreed.

"Therefore we are moving to arrest phase."

Protesters earlier staged a brief sit-in at Victoria Station.

British Transport Police said in a later post: "As we moved to our arrest phase in Waterloo Station, protesters began to disperse. No arrests were made.

"The station is clear now, and passengers are able to use the station as normal."

As we moved to our arrest phase in Waterloo Station, protesters began to disperse. No arrests were made. The station is clear now, and passengers are able to use the station as normal. pic.twitter.com/3VHUM03q6k

— British Transport Police (@BTP) November 11, 2023

Video shows ugly scenes amid counter-protester clashes

A video shows ugly scenes as counter-protesters clashed with police.

This is getting very, very ugly. But let's be clear, it is the far right who are instigating trouble pic.twitter.com/622HL5YbZ6

— Nick Lowles (@lowles_nick) November 11, 2023

Counter-protester appears to make 'Nazi salute'

Sky News reporter Andy Hughes has posted a video which appears to show a counter-protester giving a Nazi salute to Pro-Palestine demonstrators.

NEW: Far right protestor appears to make a Nazi salute at pro-Palestine activists before a large group of the far right storm police outside a pub near Vauxhall bridge. pic.twitter.com/THzAGMqMm8

— Andy Hughes (@SkyAndyHughes) November 11, 2023

Some counter-protesters still lingering around Parliament Square

Some counter protesters still lingering around Parliament Square but the group appears to have dispersed.

Around 30 police officers with riot helmets strapped to their hips are standing around the Cenotaph, which is bordered by metal railing.

The pro Palestine demo is due to have finished at 5pm to comply with police orders agreed beforehand.

Corbyn delivers second speech

Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is delivering a second speech to the pro-Palestine protesters - this time from a stage at the end of the march in Nine Elms.

He was introduced as "the people's prime minister" and some people chanted "oh Jeremy Corbyn".

He said: "They said we shouldn't be marching on Remembrance weekend. Well I simply say this, we march in memory of all those who died in all wars, in all conflicts."

Criticising the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, he added: "The only march of hate I've seen recently is the far-right trying to divide our communities."

'Jews stand with Palestine'

The Black-Jewish Alliance said on X: "Over a thousand Jews on the Jewish bloc today, proudly in our kippot and kefiyeh. Some have brought olive branches.

"This is the biggest it's ever been. On the streets of London today, Jews stand with Palestine."

Over a thousand Jews on the Jewish bloc today, proudly in our kippot and kefiyeh. Some have brought olive branches. This is the biggest it's ever been.

On the streets of London today, Jews stand with Palestine. pic.twitter.com/5wZtxnEugq

— Black-Jewish Alliance (@BlackJewishA) November 11, 2023

Birdseye view shot shows scale of protest

One of the biggest protests in British history is happening right now in the streets of London for Gaza, for Palestine, despite the smears and threats

Magnificent!pic.twitter.com/z9uvPK751P

— sarah (@sahouraxo) November 11, 2023

People take part in 'die-in' ahead of Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign

People take part in a die-in ahead of a Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign demonstration in Glasgow (PA)