Seven men have been charged over disorder on Armistice Day for offences including inciting racial hatred, the Metropolitan Police has said. The force confirmed 145 people were arrested, the vast majority of whom were counter-protesters, and nine officers were injured on Saturday.
The Met condemned violence from right-wing counter-protesters who it said set out to confront the pro-Palestinian march. Investigations into other offences, including antisemitic hate crimes, continue. The pro-Palestinian demonstration, which coincided with Armistice Day, saw some 300,000 people march through central London calling for a Gaza ceasefire.
Police said while the march itself did not see such physical violence, other serious offences were being investigated. The seven men, aged between 23 and 75, have been charged over offences including possession of weapons, public order, possession of drugs and assault on an emergency worker. Two of those charged live in London, with the others coming from across the UK.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said those involved in crimes must face the full force of the law, with the 'despicable actions of a minority of people' undermining 'those who have chosen to express their views peacefully'. He added that 'EDL thugs attacking police and trespassing on the Cenotaph' had disrespected the honour of the UK's armed forces.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman said on Sunday it was 'an outrage' that several officers had been injured, thanking them for 'their professionalism in the face of violence and aggression from protesters and counter-protesters'. She is currently under pressure after criticising police ahead of the march, with calls for her to be sacked.
The force has issued an appeal for information regarding videos filmed in Waterloo and Victoria stations showing 'unacceptable abuse including antisemitic language, as well as threatening behaviour'. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor urged anyone with information to come forward.
