Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has condemned the "unacceptable scenes" in London this weekend after dozens of far-right 'counter-protesters' were arrested by police.
This came as hundreds of thousands of people attended a march in Central London calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
This was followed by counter-protests from members of the EDL such as former co-leader Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
These 'counter protestors' clashed with police as they attempted to make their way to the Cenotaph, seeing violent scenes in Whitehall and Chinatown.
We will remember them. pic.twitter.com/RqakoYG83b
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 11, 2023
Prime Minister condemns Remembrance Day violence and calls intimidation of the Jewish community 'deplorable'
Speaking of the incidents, Rishi Sunak, 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."
He went on to add that "Remembrance weekend is time for us to come together as a country to 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."
Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 11, 2023
The unacceptable scenes today disrespect their memory. pic.twitter.com/vVyqSB7oi2
He called the EDL members who attacked police officers while attempting to storm the Cenotaph on Remembrance Day "thugs".
He also attacked people "singing anti-Semitic chants and brandishing pro-Hamas signs and clothing" at the Palestine march.
He added that the "intimidation the Jewish community have experienced over the weekend is deplorable" and said "all criminality must be met with the full force of the law."
This comes after the Mayor of London and Scottish First Minister Sadiq Khan and Humza Yousaf called on Home Secretary Suella Braverman to resign.
She has been accused of "emboldening" the far-right and blamed for much of the disorder on Saturday because of her public spat with the Met Police and controversial remarks.
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