Swift Prosecution and Prison Time Urged
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has strongly condemned the "shameful behaviour" of individuals who caused chaos and violence on Armistice Day. Shapps called for swift prosecution and imprisonment of the culprits to prevent any repeat of such disorder.
Day of Remembrance Tarnished
Speaking to HOAR on Sunday, Shapps expressed his dismay at the far-right thugs who attempted to mar the solemn day with their violent actions. He also criticized the pro-Palestine protesters for stirring up racial hatred on a day dedicated to remembering the war dead.
Call for Police Action
Shapps emphasized the need for the police to draw a line in the sand and take decisive action against those responsible for spreading division, hate, and extremism. He stressed the importance of imprisonment as a deterrent and called for punishments that would discourage such behavior.
Protecting Tolerance and Freedom
As a Jewish person, Shapps has been appalled by the recent rise in anti-Jewish hate and understands the concerns of British Jews regarding their safety. He emphasized the need to protect the hard-won tolerance and freedom of the country and urged the police to swiftly address incidents of anti-Semitism.
More Powers for the Police
If the police require additional powers to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in intimidation on the streets, Shapps believes they should be granted those powers. He highlighted the importance of speed in dealing with such cases to discourage others from engaging in similar behavior.
Calls for Greater Powers
Shapps suggested that Parliament should consider granting greater powers if there are areas that require them, such as dealing with intimidatory chants and speeches. He stressed the need for prompt action to prevent a gap between injustice and justice, which could encourage further incidents.
Ceasefire Debate and Gaza Tensions
Tensions have erupted in Parliament over calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. Shapps criticized demands for a ceasefire as "naive" and argued that Israel had no choice but to take action against Hamas to prevent further violence and atrocities.
Senior Cabinet Minister Mobbed by Protesters
Senior Cabinet minister Michael Gove was caught up in today's violence as he was mobbed by protesters at Victoria station. The minister was surrounded by individuals waving Palestinian flags and had to be escorted to safety by uniformed police officers.
