There will be “no need” for pro-Palestinian protest marches through central London to continue if the Israel-Gaza ceasefire holds, Sir Sadiq Khan hopes. The London mayor said he was “angry and distressed” at the “heightened fear” experienced by Jewish Londoners since the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel in 2023.
There have been more than 20 Palestinian Solidarity Campaign marches through central London in protest at the way Israel has taken revenge for the attacks. Two weekends ago, more than 70 protesters were arrested in Trafalgar Square after breaking through a police line in Whitehall. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and his shadow chancellor John McDonnell were voluntarily interviewed by police.
On Monday, Sir Sadiq attended the 80th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Asked whether the ceasefire in Gaza should lead to an end to the London marches, Sir Sadiq praised the Met police for its efforts to maintain law and order and told The Standard: “I’m hoping that the ceasefire bears fruit.
“I have been calling for a ceasefire for some time now. I’m really pleased that a number of other hostages will be released before Friday. “I’m really pleased there appears to be a reduction in the killing in Gaza and Lebanon. We want to see that continue. Cleary if the ceasefire leads to a permanent ceasefire there is no need for the marches.”.
