Police probe ‘Death to IDF’ chants at al-Quds Day rally

Twelve people were arrested in central London as hundreds gathered to take part in a static protest and a counterprotest

- TED HENNESSEY SAM HALL PA

Police are investigating chants of “Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]” led by musician Bobby Vylan at the al-Quds Day demonstration in central London yesterday.

The artist, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, who is a member of punk duo Bob Vylan, repeated his controversial Glastonbury chant while appearing as a speaker at yesterday’s protest. Some of those in the crowd appeared to join in.

The Metropolitan Police said: “We are aware of chanting made by a speaker at the al-Quds protest and will be investigating. We recognise the concern footage and chanting like this causes, particularly with London’s Jewish communities. When this language had been used previously, we sought advice from the CPS, who determined that there would be insufficient evidence to take a case forward.”

The force confirmed the investigation was in relation to the “Death, death to the IDF” chant. The Met said 12 arrests were made amid a protest and counterprotest. Scotland Yard had braced for a “difficult public order” environment, with at least 1,000 officers drafted in to manage the crowd.