'HATE MARCHES' ARE AFFRONT TO BRITISH VALUES

RISHI Sunak wants to see planned protests on Armistice Day banned.

- Martyn Brown, Katie Harris and Michael Knowles

The Prime Minister said yesterday that a large pro-Palestinian march would be both "provocative" and "disrespectful".

But the Express understands he would prefer the protest in London not to go ahead at all.

He warned of a risk of the Cenotaph and other war memorials being desecrated, which he said "would be an affront" to British values.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman also spoke out, describing the planned protest as a "hate march".

Mr Sunak's intervention comes amid warnings more than a million protesters are being urged to flood the capital on November 11 to denounce Israel's actions in Gaza.

There are also fears any rally could spill over to the Sunday and clash with the traditional service at the Cenotaph.

And there are concerns marchers could disrupt the two-minute silence commemorating the war dead.

The PM said in a statement: "To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.

The right to remember, in peace and dignity, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for those freedoms must be protected. I have asked the Home Secretary to support the Met Police in doing everything necessary to protect the sanctity of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday."

In his letter, the PM made it clear that he backs the Met using "all the powers available" to them to ensure the demonstrations do not disrupt services and desecrate memorials. He added: "This robust approach is welcome."

Tensions are mounting as the crisis in Israel and Gaza intensifies, prompting demands for soldiers to bolster security on the streets of London.