On Sunday, King Charles and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will host commemoration services for Britain’s war dead, hoping to bring communities together after a day of protests in London on Saturday, during which police battled with far-right groups.
The annual Armistice Day commemoration on November 11, which commemorates the conclusion of World War One and recalls those lost in military action, was marred by controversy as a large pro-Palestinian march through London was set to begin two hours later.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had warned that holding the event on Armistice Day was disrespectful, and hundreds of counter-protesters from far-right groups went up to oppose it, clashing with police and resulting in more than 90 arrests.
Britain’s Prime Minister issued a statement on Saturday condemning the displays of violence and stating that the celebration should be about unity.
Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms.
The unacceptable scenes today disrespect their memory. pic.twitter.com/vVyqSB7oi2
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) November 11, 2023
Rishi Sunak stated, “Remembrance weekend is a time for us to come together as a nation and remember those who fought and died for our freedoms. The unacceptable scenes today disrespect their memory”.
According to a government statement, around 10,000 veterans and 800 members of the armed forces are expected to attend a service at the Cenotaph war memorial in central London on Sunday.
Sunak stated that recent events should serve as a sharp warning that peace should not be taken for granted, most likely referring to Israel’s month-long battle with Hamas when Gaza-based terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7 and took hostages.
The government announced that new medals would be given to veterans of Britain’s nuclear testing program in recognition of their exceptional service.
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