Sunak Seeks Safety Assurances for Pro-Palestinian March Amid Rising Tensions

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called on London's police chief, Commissioner Mark Rowley, to provide assurances regarding the safety of an upcoming pro-Palestinian march scheduled for Saturday. This comes as the police have made nearly 200 hate crime arrests since last month's Hamas attacks on Israel.

Sunak expressed concern about holding the march on Armistice Day, a day dedicated to honoring war casualties, deeming it "disrespectful." Commissioner Rowley assured Sunak that measures would be taken to safeguard remembrance activities and ensure public safety during the event.

While the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, organizing the march, has pledged to avoid the Cenotaph, London's main war memorial, fears of violence loom as far-right groups signal intentions to protect the site. The police, citing the lack of intelligence indicating a serious threat, maintain that banning protests in a single location is not feasible.

In the aftermath of the recent attacks, London police have recorded 188 hate crime arrests, with antisemitic offenses making up a significant portion. The Community Security Trust reported a record number of 1,124 antisemitic incidents across Britain in the 32 days since the Hamas attacks. Commander Paul Trevers expressed concern over the alarming rise in both antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes, with a concentration in London's Hackney area, home to a substantial Jewish community.

Also Read-Indian student Varun stabbed in US gym, suspect claims victim was ‘Weird’

OTT India updates you with the latest news, Country’s no.1 digital news platform OTT India, Keeps you updated with national, and international news from all around the world. For more such updates, download the OTT India app on your Android and IOS device.