London (United Kingdom) was the scene of violence and chaos this Saturday. There was a large number of clashes between people who were in the city attending demonstrations for the Israeli war (pro-Palestine) and groups that the authorities describe as "counter-protesters.” The situation broke out during the commemoration of 'Armistice Day,’ currently known as 'Remembrance Day.”
The London Metropolitan Police posted on its X account, formerly Twitter, saying that it has "faced unacceptable violence, including people throwing missiles and a metal barrier":
There is a remembrance event underway at the Cenotaph. Officers have prevented those not involved getting onto Whitehall so it can take place without disruption, as we committed. They have faced unacceptable violence, including people throwing missiles and a metal barrier. Those using violence made no effort to use the pavement, which is open along the full length of Whitehall on one side, in order to watch the event taking place. They were solely intent on confronting officers.
There is a remembrance event underway at the Cenotaph. Officers have prevented those not involved getting onto Whitehall so it can take place without disruption, as we committed.
They have faced unacceptable violence, including people throwing missiles and a metal barrier.… pic.twitter.com/tHnnKyRrKL
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023
A crowd of pro-Palestine protesters decided to take to the streets on Armistice Day, which honors the nation's veterans, in a protest they called "Million Man March.” People were bussed in from different parts of the country to attend. Days earlier, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the demonstration "disrespectful" and "offensive" for being held on the same day that honors veterans, according to The Guardian.
Clashes in London
There were several confrontations. One involved a group of people leaving a memorial event to honor veterans. They clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in Trafalgar Square.
#VIDEO | 🇬🇧 Un grupo de personas que salía de un evento por el Remembrance Day (Día del Recuerdo) se enfrentaron a manifestantes propalestinos en la Trafalgar Square, en Londres.
📷 @MrAndyNgo pic.twitter.com/GcrAPlwUdn
— VOZ (@VozMediaUSA) November 11, 2023
Journalist Andy Ngô posted a video compilation of the events on his X account, formerly Twitter. He released footage in which protesters are seen waving Palestinian flags. Many could be heard chanting "the Islamic faith creed on a megaphone and (shouting) Allahu akbar.”
At the Palestinian "Million Man March" in London, in which protesters were bussed in from across the country, some protesters took the opportunity to chant the Islamic faith creed on a megaphone and to shout "Allahu akbar."
At the Palestine “Million Man March” in London, in which protesters were bussed in from across the country, some protesters took the opportunity to chant the Islamic faith creed on a bullhorn and to shout “Allahu akbar.” #RememRemember #ArmistaceDay pic.twitter.com/qmAm0yDR1q
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) November 11, 2023
The journalist also reported a confrontation between a group of people and law enforcement forces in front of Big Ben. According to Ngô: "Many of the men are angry at police for what they view as unequal treatment compared to pro-Palestinian and leftist protesters."
English football lads clashed with police outside of Big Ben as they were dispersing the #RememberanceDay/Veterans Day memorial event nearby. Many of the men are angry at police for what they view as unequal treatment compared to pro-Palestine and leftist protesters. This video… pic.twitter.com/q9GN3enz9G
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) November 11, 2023
Police made more than 90 arrests due to the violent clashes.
In addition to the arrests made to prevent a breach of the peace in Tachbrook Street, we have made 10 arrests today for other offences.
These include possession of offensive weapons, affray and possession of drugs.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) November 11, 2023
