Home Secretary Praises Police and Issues Stark Message Following Violent Scenes in London

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has delivered a strong warning following violence that erupted at a pro-Palestine protest in London, during which nine police officers sustained minor injuries and 15 people were arrested. While the demonstration initially progressed peacefully from Portland Place to Whitehall, clashes developed in the evening at Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan Police reported arrests for offences including assaulting emergency workers, setting off fireworks in public, and public order breaches. Braverman, acknowledging the efforts of the police via social media, stated: “Thank you to police officers who worked so hard yesterday in difficult circumstances to manage tens of thousands of protesters. Numerous arrests were made as a result of pockets of disorder, violence and hate.” She added a stern message to those inciting hatred and glorifying violence, saying, “The police are coming for you.”

Throughout the day, seven additional arrests occurred, with four related to breaches of section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, two for public order violations, and one for criminal damage. Authorities are now reviewing footage and material from the event to pursue further action. A 67-year-old man charged with racially aggravated harassment and alleged to have made offensive remarks in Whitehall will appear in court next month.