'Remembrance is fundamental to who we are as a country...'

IN a heartfelt plea to protect the sanctity of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has urged protesters to respect the service and sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for our freedoms.

- Steph Spyro

Amid the discord generated by the Gaza conflict, a plea was issued yesterday to concentrate on what is most important that the British public comes together today to honour the fallen.

Mr Sunak called for respect, calm and solemn reflection across Remembrance weekend.

He said: "People across the United Kingdom will stand together in quiet reflection to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Veterans, loved ones of those who gave their lives for their country and many more of us will want to honour this.

"This act of remembrance is fundamental to who we are as a country and I want to reassure those wishing to pay their respects, attend services and travel that they can and should do so. The police assure us they are taking all steps to ensure Remembrance services are safeguarded from any protests.

Exclusion

"Protests far away will only be permitted from Remembrance events, and the Cenotaph in Whitehall the abiding symbol of Remembrance - has been placed in an exclusion zone and will be guarded around the clock.

"We have also taken steps to ban a number of protests planned for train stations, which were only designed to disrupt and intimidate.