Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has hit back at criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak over the policing of pro-Palestinian protests, insisting officers are enforcing the law. Rowley said officers were being labelled both 'woke and fascist' simultaneously, and felt undermined by a lack of support despite warm words from politicians.
Speaking to the London policing board on Tuesday, Rowley rejected claims that the force was failing to police protests properly. He said suggestions that officers were not acting where the law permits were inaccurate, and noted that 360 arrests had been made, including for public order and terrorism offences. Of those, 90 were far-right supporters, with Rowley suggesting comments by former home secretary Suella Braverman had incited trouble.
Rowley highlighted the challenging political environment, with hate crime levels remaining high since the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. He said officers faced death threats, citing a case where a south Asian officer had a pro-Palestinian sticker placed on his arm and was targeted online. 'Despite warm words, officers do not feel supported,' Rowley said, adding that this was degrading their confidence.
The protests have cost the Met £30 million, and Rowley expressed hope that the government would cover some or all of the costs. He warned that other crime fighting had suffered as a result. The prime minister had summoned police leaders to Downing Street last week, claiming forces were managing rather than policing protests, but Rowley maintained that the threshold for banning protests was very high.
