Following on from
pressure is mounting as Suella Braverman faces allegations of empowering far-right demonstrators who clashed with law enforcement in London on Armistice Day. The controversy emerged following calls for the removal of the home secretary, prompted by her characterization of pro-Palestinian protests, including one scheduled in central London on Saturday, as “hate marches.” She also accused the police of exhibiting “double standards” in their handling of protests.
On Saturday, over 90 individuals were arrested in central London, as part of a large group of counter-protesters attempting to reach the primary pro-Palestinian march in the capital. An additional 10 people were arrested on charges such as possession of offensive weapons, affray, and drug possession. Instances of violence prompted several senior political figures to attribute blame to the home secretary, renewing calls for her resignation.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf asserted on X that the far-right had gained confidence due to Ms. Braverman’s actions, stating, “The far right has been emboldened by the home secretary. She has spent her week fanning the flames of division, and they are now attacking the police on Armistice Day. The home secretary’s position is untenable. She must resign.”
The Metropolitan Police faced resistance along Embankment, where a sizable group with St. George flags was seen shouting slogans like “England ’til I die.” Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, led supporters through the streets before departing in a taxi. Subsequent clashes with the police occurred in Chinatown.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan attributed the disorderly scenes directly to the home secretary’s words, emphasizing the increased difficulty for the police in carrying out their duties. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper called for calm while criticizing Mrs. Braverman for exacerbating tensions.
Despite the growing discontent, Ms. Braverman maintained that she had given her “full backing” to the police during a meeting with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley on the eve of Armistice Day.
On Friday, Chancellor Rishi Sunak expressed “full confidence” in the home secretary, resisting calls for her dismissal. Some ministers had distanced themselves from Braverman earlier, following her statement that some people were homeless as a “lifestyle choice.” Speculation has arisen that a ministerial reshuffle could result in her relocation.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran, who has family in Gaza, shifted blame for any trouble caused by far-right groups to Mr. Sunak. She argued that he, as the one who chose not only to appoint Braverman but also to retain her, bears responsibility for the events unfolding in central London.
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