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Sadiq Khan: "Police officers were doing their duty supporting a ... solemn occasion, whilst balancing the lawful right to protest"

Sadiq Khan has condemned the actions of “far-right thugs” near the Cenotaph on Remembrance day, labelling their behaviour deeply disturbing and unacceptable.

During the Mayor’s question time, Sadiq Khan confirmed that 18 Metropolitan police officers were injured in the events.

Three of the officers were hospitalised after being confronted by protesters shouting, “let’s have them” and “You’re not English anymore”.

Speaking of the clashes, the London Mayor said, “There is absolutely no excuse for any violence against our emergency workers and this violence directed at the police officers was utterly appalling.”

“Police officers were doing their duty supporting an incredibly important and solemn occasion, whilst balancing the lawful right to protest”.

“Attacks against the police will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice”.

Sadiq Khan laid the blame of Saturday’s clashes at the feet of the former home secretary Suella Braverman.

Ms Braverman attacked the Metropolitan Police ahead of the pro-Palestinian protests on Armistice Day. She said the Police were showing clear bias when dealing with protesters.

Answering a question from Assembly Member Unmesh Desai, Sadiq Khan agreed that the former home secretary, “stoked tensions” and caused “serious consequences for Londoners and police officers” on Saturday.

Pro-Palestinian protestors mounted the Royal Artillery Memorial at Hyde Park Corner on Wednesday.

Sadiq Khan condemned the actions and said the protesters were doing “nothing for the cause of Palestinians in Gaza.”

“It is unacceptable behaviour in a civilised society to be doing that…what is going through a person’s mind when they are jumping on this memorial, particularly at this time of year”.

A call for empathy

Looking forward, Sadiq Khan called for unity amongst hurting communities, valuing empathy and sympathy over hate.

“There are clearly passionate different perspectives within our communities, what’s crucial is that we don’t allow our differences to lead to hate and division here in London, rather, we must pull together and stamp out any instances of antisemitism or islamophobia” he added.

Since the 7th October, Met Police have worked hard to make communities feel safe. So far they have visited 7000 schools, places of worship and faith.

The broader context

During the Mayor’s question time, Mr. Khan also discussed other hate crimes. This included attacks directed at women and the LGBTQ+ community.

Assembly Member Susan Hall highlighted that since taking office, crime had risen in London by 30%.

London TravelWise published a report today, which states that one in five LGBTQ+ people have faced harassment on public transport.

In response to this data, Sadiq Khan said the rise in hate crime against the LGBTQ+ community reflects “the consequences of a manufactured culture war”.

The Mayor reassured the London Assembly that education programmes in London schools will ensure that the next generation will grow up with a different mindset.

Assembly Member Unmesh Desai went on to ask whether the Mayor believes misogyny should be made a hate crime. This is in the context of ‘White Ribbon day’, this coming Saturday.

The London Mayor gave his full support and claimed that such reform would encourage more reports of misogyny and give Judges greater judicial powers.

The Mayor added that there “is a perception that they are not safe in London” and that “perception to me is reality”, commenting on the lived experience of women in London.

The Mayor’s question time was suspended and adjourned early after Sadiq Khan was heckled relentlessly and an item was thrown at an assembly member.

Throughout the meeting, the Mayor encouraged anyone to report any instances of hate crime to the police.

London news | Politics