Fights have broken out as counter-protesters arrived at Whitehall today (Saturday 11 November) and attempted to reach the Cenotaph.
A large group of people, some carrying St George’s Cross flags, were seen walking along Embankment shouting: “England ‘til I die.
A line of police attempted to stop them from reaching Whitehall but the group pushed through, with some shouting ‘let’s have them’ as officers hit out with batons.
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Many more were pushed through, shouting ‘forward’.
The group, many of whom were wearing masks to cover their faces, threw bottles at police.
According to the Daily Mail, Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was among those who could be heard ‘chanting football-style cheers as they overwhelmed police’ close to the monument.
The clashes broke out moments after the Armistice Day two-minute silence, when people across Britain commemorate the end of the First World War and pay respects to those who died.
The Metropolitan Police said officers had faced 'aggression' from counter-protesters ahead of the service at the Cenotaph.
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The force said: “While the two minutes’ silence was marked respectfully and without incident on Whitehall, officers have faced aggression from counter-protesters who are in the area in significant numbers.
“The counter-protesters are not one cohesive group. There are different groups moving away from Whitehall towards other parts of central London. Officers are keeping track of them as they do.
“If their intention is to confront the main protest departing later today from Park Lane, we will use all the powers and tactics available to us to prevent that from happening.”
Yaxley-Lennon had previously called for his supporters to gather in London in response to the pro-Palestinian protests taking place today.
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The protesters were set to officially gather at Hyde Park, about a mile from Whitehall at noon, before marching to the US embassy in Vauxhall, south of the Thames - calling for a ceasefire in Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Organisers said they have no intention of marching near Whitehall to disrupt any events at the Cenotaph.
However, Yaxley-Lennon had called on his fans to ‘mobilise’ in London.
Scotland Yard previously said it would use ‘all powers and tactics’ to prevent disruption.
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Scotland Yard will deploy nearly 2,000 officers across central London in a major policing operation over the weekend.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has issued a plea for 'unity' amid tensions over the march on the day the UK marks the end of the First World War.
On the eve of the mass protest, the Prime Minister said in a statement: “It is because of those who fought for this country and for the freedom we cherish that those who wish to protest can do so, but they must do so respectfully and peacefully.
“Remembrance weekend is sacred for us all and should be a moment of unity, of our shared British values and of solemn reflection.”
Topics: UK News
Claire Reid