Remembrance Day is perhaps the most significant day of the year when the nation honours those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our values and freedoms.
Nickie explains,
"I have written to Sir Mark Rowley, the Met Police Commissioner, expressing my views and asking that permission not be given for protests or marches during Remembrance Weekend.
"I therefore believe it is highly inappropriate to allow marches, protests or demonstrations of any kind to take place in areas where Remembrance Services will be held. And specifically the Cenotaph and Whitehall."
You can read Nickie's letter in full below.
Sir Mark Rowley QPM
Commissioner
New Scotland Yard
3rd November 2023
Dear Commissioner,
I am supportive of the right for those who wish to protest peacefully and respectfully to do so in Westminster in light of the ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza.
However, as Remembrance Sunday approaches, I consider it wholly inappropriate for protests to carry on in areas where Remembrance Services are being carried out. This includes the Cenotaph, where I have previously written to you about my concerns of protests being staged around the national monument of mourning.
Armistice Day is a hugely significant day for the Two Cities, services will be carried out all across the Cities of London and Westminster, from Westminster Abbey, the Cenotaph, to St Paul’s Cathedral. I hope that you will recognise the importance of allowing respects to be paid to those who died fighting for our country, without disruption.
I would be grateful therefore if you could advise me on whether permission has been granted for any protests to take place over Remembrance Weekend and if so, the times and locations they are due to take place.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours,
Nickie Aiken MP
Cities of London and Westminster
