POLICE: CALL OFF PROTESTS ON ARMISTICE WEEKEND TO AVOID VIOLENCE

Million-strong march 'not appropriate' as nation pays respects to war dead

- Michael Knowles and Paul Jeeves

POLICE have urged pro-Palestinian protesters to cancel their mass march on Armistice Day, warning that the risk of violence and disorder in the capital is "growing".

Scotland Yard said it is "not any appropriate to hold protests" this weekend when families pay their respects to Britain's war dead who sacrificed their lives.

But the pleas by the Met Police were rejected by organisers and the demonstrations are set to go ahead unless commanders ask Home Secretary Suella Braverman to intervene and ban them.

Protest leaders have called for up to one million people to take to the streets on Saturday.

Mrs Braverman, who chaired a meeting with police yesterday, has said she will back any official requests to ban the November 11 protest. She insisted: "The hate marchers need to understand that decent British people have had enough of these displays of thuggish intimidation and extremism."

The Met have said they will use "all powers and tactics" at their disposal to prevent disruption, including Section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986, which allows the banning of a procession when there is a risk of serious disorder.

After meeting protest organisers, police said in a statement the various groups had decided not to postpone any demonstrations.

If the vast protest goes ahead, police will throw a ring of steel around key London sites. Palestine Solidarity Campaign organisers have pledged to avoid the Whitehall area where the Cenotaph is located.

But Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said: "The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing. This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.