Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will chair an emergency meeting of the COBRA committee this afternoon in response to concerns of potential violence at this weekend's pro-Palestine protest. The meeting, to be held in Downing Street, will include the attendance of police chiefs and intelligence officials who will update senior ministers on the UK's terror threat level.

A focus on terror attacks and cohesion

A spokesperson for 10 Downing Street stated that the session will be "particularly focused on terror attacks on the UK domestically and how we can address cohesion". This emergency meeting comes just one day after the Metropolitan Police urged protesters to "urgently reconsider" any planned demonstrations during the Armistice weekend.

Risk of violence and disorder

Senior officers in the police force have expressed concerns about potential breakaway groups with intentions of causing crime and disorder during the memorial events. The Metropolitan Police have been constantly monitoring intelligence ahead of the weekend and have assured that they will respond appropriately.

The Home Secretary has expressed support for the Metropolitan Police, stating, "I welcome this statement from the Met Police. The hate marchers need to understand that decent British people have had enough of these displays of thuggish intimidation and extremism."

Protest organizers decline to postpone demonstrations

Senior Metropolitan Police officials have met with organizers from various groups earlier today to discuss concerns. However, the organizers have declined to postpone any planned demonstrations. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned of the growing risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups and urged organizers to reconsider. He stated, "Please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend."

Escalation in violence and disorder

Since October 7, over 160 individuals have been arrested for various offences, including racially motivated public offences, violence, and assaulting police officers. There has been a significant increase in violence and disorder associated with protests, often perpetrated by breakaway groups who have no genuine interest in the causes being demonstrated.

Political figures voice concerns

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has labeled any planned demonstrations as "provocative and disrespectful." Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has also expressed "very serious concerns" about potential public order risks and emphasized that the culture of the country will not tolerate disruptions to the Remembrance commemorations.