Controversy has sparked in the UK over the Metropolitan Police’s handling of pro-Palestine protests, with Home Secretary Suella Braverman accusing the police force of favoritism. In an article for The Times, Braverman claimed that while violent right-wing protests were often stopped, “pro-Palestinian mobs” were permitted, creating a perception that the police play favorites. Her statements were heavily criticized by Labour, with shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper calling it a “dangerous attempt to undermine respect for police”, and London mayor Sadiq Khan deeming it “irresponsible”. Braverman’s comparison of the marches to Northern Ireland was also called “ignorant” by the Conservative Party.
Pressure has been placed on the police force to prevent a planned march from going ahead, set to take place amongst remembrance commemorations on Saturday. However, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said that it may only be stopped if there is potential for serious disorder, implying that the “very high threshold” has not yet been reached. The marches, which began last month amid the siege of Gaza, have been criticized by Braverman for “violence around the fringes” and “highly offensive” chants, posters, and stickers. She claimed that they are not just “a cry for help for Gaza”, but rather an “assertion of primacy by certain groups – particularly Islamists”.
Critics have accused Braverman of stirring up political division, challenging the police’s operational independence, and seeking to further her political agenda. Lord Greenhalgh, deputy mayor for policing and crime during Boris Johnson’s tenure, argued that her statements threatened the trust between the Home Office and police. Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael further accused Braverman of focusing on Conservative party leadership rather than fulfilling her duties as Home Secretary
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