The Cenotaph war memorial in Whitehall, London will receive 24-hour police protection for the first time during this weekend's remembrance commemorations. The move comes as tensions rise between pro-Palestinian and extreme right-wing groups planning to square up to each other in central London. Police are aiming to keep the factions apart to avoid serious disorder. The Cenotaph has been placed under an exclusion zone and steel barriers have been erected to prevent any attacks.

Police Warn of Confrontation Between Protesters

The police have warned of potential confrontations between pro-Palestinian and extreme right-wing groups during the remembrance commemorations in London. While the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has called for calm and quiet reflection, the police are preparing for pockets of confrontation. The Metropolitan Police have put in place a zero tolerance policy for troublemakers and are bringing in additional officers from across the country to assist with the policing operation.

Veterans Advised Not to Wear Medals or Berets

Military officials have advised veterans not to wear their medals or berets when attending Remembrance services to honor the 1.3 million servicemen and women killed in action since 1914. This advice comes as tensions escalate between different groups attending the commemorations. The police are working to keep the groups apart and have warned that serious disorder could occur if they come together.

24-Hour Guard for the Cenotaph

The national Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall has been placed under 24-hour police protection to ensure it is not disrupted or defaced. Steel barriers have been erected around the memorial, and pro-Palestine protesters are banned from going near it until after the Remembrance Sunday event. This comes after the defacing of the Cenotaph memorial in Rochdale, where thugs sprayed "Free Palestine" on it. The police have made it clear that any attack on the Whitehall memorial will not be tolerated.

Rishi Sunak Appeals for Calm and Unity

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called on everyone to stand together in quiet reflection and honor the selfless bravery of the armed forces during this weekend's remembrance commemorations. He reassured those wishing to pay their respects, attend services, and travel that they can and should do so. The police are taking all steps to ensure the safety of Remembrance services and have put in place measures to ban disruptive protests. Sunak emphasized that this weekend should be a moment of unity and solemn reflection for the whole country.

Poppy Appeal Helps WWII Veteran

Funds raised by the Royal British Legion's annual poppy appeal have helped World War Two veteran Private Harry Birdsall improve his quality of life. The 97-year-old hero, who ferried Jewish survivors from Hitler's concentration camps, has spent the last four years sleeping in a reclining chair because he was too frail to climb the stairs at his home. Thanks to the poppy appeal, he now has a stairlift and a hospital-style orthopedic bed installed at his home. Harry expressed his gratitude to the Legion for changing his life and improving his health.