DIGNITY AND DISHONOUR

As the nation remembers our war dead, extremists from the left and right march for hate

-  Jon Austin

FOR two short minutes, the nation fell silent in honour of our fallen war heroes yesterday.

It was a brief respite in a day which saw trouble flare even before the bugler had signalled the start of the sombre tribute.

Right-wing thugs clashed with police just yards from the Cenotaph in Whitehall, and anti-Israel marchers clambered over war memorials to plant Palestinian flags.

Anti-Semitic placards were also waved.

These were the shameful scenes on one of the most hallowed days in the calendar.

An estimated 300,000 protesters had descended on London to stage their fourth march in as many weeks against Israeli military action in Gaza.

They ignored the Prime Minister's plea to respect Armistice Day events with another display of hatred on the streets of London.

However, the most violent scenes came when around 1,000 extremist right-wing thugs turned up to confront marchers "intent on violence", police said. More than 90 counter-protesters were arrested as police fought to keep the two sides apart.

Later in the evening, police said around 150 people from the pro-Palestinian demonstration were detained in Grosvenor Place.

A statement posted on the social media site X, said: "The group were firing fireworks and many are wearing face coverings."

Right-wing thugs and pro-Palestinians clash as violence mars Armistice Day

Levelling-Up secretary Michael Gove was hounded by a mob at Victoria station, and needed a police escort for safety. PM Rishi  Sunak said: "I condemn the violent, wholly unacceptable scenes we have seen today from the English Defence League and associated groups and Hamas sympathisers attending the National March for Palestine.

"The despicable actions of a minority of people undermine those who have chosen to express their views peacefully.