UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak denounces violence amid London protests

Rishi Sunak has condemned the violent actions of far-right groups and "Hamas sympathisers" following protests and clashes in London. Approximately 300,000 pro-Palestinian protestors marched to demand a ceasefire in the largest rally in the UK since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The majority of the 126 arrests made were of counter-protesters. The clashes occurred near the Cenotaph and in Chinatown, with police attempting to prevent a breach of the peace. Prime Minister Johnson also denounced the violence and called for full enforcement of the law. The clashes included protestors breaking through police barriers and throwing missiles at officers. Despite the clashes, a two-minute silence was respectfully observed at the Cenotaph to mark Armistice Day. The counter-protesters arrested were linked to football hooliganism and had previous convictions for football-related violence. The protests occurred on the same day as Armistice Day, leading to some controversy, but demonstrators stated it was fitting since armistice signifies a call for ceasefire. A source close to Michael Gove stated that he was escorted through Victoria Station by police officers due to the presence of crowds waving Palestinian flags. Rishi Sunak condemned the actions of extremists from the English Defence League (EDL) and Hamas sympathisers, labeling their behavior as disrespectful to the armed forces. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist praised the efforts of the police in protecting the Cenotaph and preventing any breach. The Metropolitan Police released photos of three individuals suspected of committing antisemitic hate crimes during the protest, with one photo depicting a woman carrying a placard that combined the Jewish star of David with a Swastika. While no major protests are planned for Remembrance Sunday, the police operation will continue with over 1,300 officers deployed for commemoration events. The Metropolitan Police reported 188 hate crime arrests, primarily for antisemitic offenses, since the start of the conflict between Hamas and Israel on October 7.