Anger after Stage for London Palestine Protest was built on the Cenotaph in Whitewall

SGM

3 years ago

There has been anger and criticism of the London Metropolitan Police after a massive stage for a recent Palestine support rally was built over the Cenotaph in Westminster, with the Arab nation’s flag hung on it.

The event, which seen thousands march against Israel’s bombing of the Gaza strip, seen a makeshift stage erected on the cenotaph site with Palestine flags draped over it.

The move has drawn criticism from MPs, who have lodged complaints with the London Metropolitan Police and the government

I recognise the hurt this has caused in the veteran community and across the Country.

I have spoken to the Home Secretary and the Met Police about it, ensuring we all work together to avoid situations like this happening again. pic.twitter.com/JvT4xT0k3b
— Rt Hon Johnny Mercer (@JohnnyMercerUK) October 18, 2023

However, the London Metropolitan Police released a statement denying they were responsible for it, instead arguing that duty for such organisation falls upon Westminster City Council

See our full response below ⬇ pic.twitter.com/iwZ9nqXORv
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) October 18, 2023

The Centopah, the United Kingdom’s primary war memorial for World War I and II, is understood by the public to be a site of mourning commemorating the war dead, which ought to be treated with respect.

Hijacking, interference or even attacks on the memorial are typically seen as a grave public transgression which draw outrage.