UK Government Accuses Police of Pro-Palestinian Bias Over Marches
The Facts
The UK government criticized London's police chief on Thursday over the department's handling of a pro-Palestinian march this weekend scheduled on Armistice Day — which commemorates the end of WWI — accusing the police of taking a more lenient approach towards left-wing issues.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman accused the force of applying a "double standard" to its policing of pro-Palestine protests, saying that aggressive right-wing protesters were treated more harshly than "pro-Palestinian mobs."
The Spin
Narrative A
It's a great shame that the Met Police continue to allow these demonstrations on the streets of London. Protesters, many of whom have espoused pro-Hamas views are spreading fear. Saturday brings a high level of risk due to the Met's willful inaction.
Narrative B
Freedom of speech is a core principle in Western democracies, even when that speech may be uncomfortable. The overwhelming majority of protesters have acted peacefully and the Met has correctly assessed the level of risk. It is imperative that the UK's leadership balances national security and freedom of expression and follows the Met's lead.
