The Deputy Prime Minister also said that Black Lives Matter activists have failed to speak out about anti-Semitism, despite the massacre of hundreds of Israeli civilians last month.
On Sunday, the Metropolitan Police Federation said officers were worried about how they would police the potentially volatile situation on Saturday, as well as how the public would react.
It is understood that Metropolitan Police officers are especially worried about a public backlash if they are forced to detain veterans who clash with protesters.
Rick Prior, vice-chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “No one knows what is going to happen but obviously there are concerns that there could be confrontation between those who want to commemorate Remembrance day and those protesting the war in Gaza.
“It’s a really tricky dynamic for them to police. I think the officers on the ground are damned if they do and damned if they don’t.
Rogue activists could deviate from route
Veterans’ charities said they would be focused on the Armistice Day commemorations on Saturday, with hundreds of veterans expected to gather in the morning at the Cenotaph for a procession, a two-minute silence and a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate Britain’s war dead.
The Western Front Association, which will lay a wreath in memory of those who gave their lives in the First World War, said it would conduct its commemoration with “dignity and solemn reflection”.
A spokesman said the association “relies on guidance from the police to ensure the safety and security of all attendees”.
The Veterans Charity said it would focus on honouring the fallen with “calm, dignified professionalism and respect”.
A British Legion member, who did not wish to be named, hoped that “common sense prevails”.
“People are there because they passionately want to remember their fallen comrades, if that is disrupted in any way I think it will be extremely upsetting,” he added.
The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, which is organising the protest, said it would stick to the route dictated by the Metropolitan Police, adding that its protest is not due to begin until 12.45pm.
But government sources have warned that rogue activists might deviate from the route, which runs from Hyde Park to the US embassy in Battersea and arrives at the Cenotaph.
“You can imagine the scenes. It would be a wall of police versus people trying to get there,” said one government insider who is monitoring the police response.
“When a march becomes fragmented it is harder to control.”
Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, added his voice to the growing list of senior Tories criticising those taking to the streets to support Palestine.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
