Tory MP accuses Metropolitan Police of being PR for pro-Palestine protests

The Metropolitan Police have been accused by a Conservative former minister of acting as the public relations arm of some pro-Palestine protests.

Andrew Percy said the police should focus on what they should be doing, “which is protecting people in this country”.

Security minister Tom Tugendhat said the police are “absolutely aware” of the radicalisation taking place at protests.

Speaking in the Commons on Thursday, Mr Percy said: “Doubtless the majority of people who attend protests are peaceful, but it is that behaviour that is making Jewish people in this country frightened, frightened of wherever these protests take place.”

He added: “The continued targeting of Jews in this country is deeply, deeply disturbing, welcome though (the proscription of Hizb ut-Tahrir) is, it’s not going to prevent that from continuing, we need tougher action.

“And as I said in the Westminster Hall debate, it has seemed on occasions as if the Metropolitan Police have been the PR arm of some of these protests, instead of doing what they should be doing, which is protecting people in this country.”

Mr Percy also said he had been receiving antisemitic comments on social media after he accused some members of giving a “free pass” to terrorists.

The Brigg and Goole MP said: “Just in the last few days, because I dared in this place to say that people who don’t contextualise the Israeli response to October 7 with the events of October 7, in fact I described it as giving people a free pass, giving the terrorists a free pass.

“Because of a smear somebody posted online about my comments, I have received the most appalling antisemitic communications, which have included phrases describing hostages as ‘them Zionist rat hostages’, somebody messaged me to say ‘nobody cares about the Jews’, somebody messaged to tell me that I was somebody who should be flogged because of my beliefs.”

Mr Tugendhat said: “Jews should not be afraid to be in London at any time, and certainly not on a Saturday or a Sunday when many people want to go out shopping or just to be with friends and family.

“These protests sadly have been not only vile demonstrations of some of the worst parts of our community, but they have also sadly been radicalising moments in themselves. I know the police are absolutely aware of that.”

During the debate on the proscription of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Conservative former minister Sir Desmond Swayne said there should be a “static location” for protests.

Sir Desmond (New Forest West) said: “Can I suggest that his department look into the possibility of confining marches to a static location?

“The fact is that people are, all people are being inhibited from attending central London at weekends now and it’s having a significant impact on commerce and shopping and the West End.

“And I wouldn’t want to see demonstrations being inhibited by having costs imposed upon them, but it seems to be a perfectly reasonable compromise after so many marches that we should have static locations.”

Mr Tugendhat said his colleagues would come back to Sir Desmond on the issue.

Met Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “We absolutely recognise the passion and strength of feeling sparked by the ongoing conflict and we respect the right of those who wish to protest and have their voices heard to do so.

“We police without fear or favour and where our policing approach differs it is a response to the intelligence and the nature of the event, not those taking part or the cause they represent.

“Officers are present primarily to ensure the safety of those involved, but where we see offences taking place, or where we are made aware of them either online or by other means, we will not hesitate to act.

“These protests and the offences connected to them have been widely reported on in the media and have been the subject of extensive discussions online.

“It is really disappointing that, despite this, we have continued to see people turning up carrying placards, wearing clothing or chanting slogans that, certainly by this stage, they should know will cause alarm or distress to others.

“I would appeal to those attending any protest event, whether this weekend or in the future, to consider how their actions will impact on the safety and security of others.

“Those who intentionally push the limits of what may cross the line into criminality will face the consequences.

“I would encourage anyone at the protests who feels unsafe, or sees anything they are concerned about, to speak to an officer.”