Armistice Day protest London: 'The idea of banning demonstrations calling for a ceasefire is absurd'

Few of the hundreds of thousands of people who have joined marches in the last few weeks feel anything but absolute revulsion at the atrocities carried out by Hamas terrorists.

But they are now calling for an end to the loss of civilian lives that is unfolding before our eyes as Israel fights to destroy Hamas.

There are elements of antisemitism, hate and support for Hamas at London protests, but there are already laws to address those incidents. The police have taken action in previous weeks, as they should do on Saturday and as they should do if far right factions (who have long and moronically claimed ownership of Britain's war efforts) take to the streets with hate and violence in mind.

What has been lacking in the pro-Palestinian protests so far is a mindfulness of the pain being felt in the Jewish community following the attacks - fear for the hostages and distress in the face of hate which history has shown to bring out the worst in humanity. Protesters need to be mindful that "from the river to the sea" carries more meaning than simply helping the rhyming scheme of a call for Palestinian freedom.

Protesters should also be mindful of the solemnity felt by many around remembrance. But it is perfectly possible to have the highest regard for the sacrifice of many for the country and also to want an end to civilian deaths right now.

Perhaps where London has failed is in lacking empathy for those around us, whatever our opinions on what has followed the attacks.

Furthermore, the organisers of the march have pledged to steer clear of the Cenotaph and Whitehall on Saturday - it's not even going to be in the same place as the Armistice ceremonies. The demonstration will travel from Hyde Park to the American embassy. And it's not even at the same time - protesters will gather at noon. And, of course, the main rembrance service is on Sunday anyway.

On Saturday, people will be doing many other things besides remembering the fallen - playing football, going to concerts, drinking excessively, watching BBC documentaries. Should we ban them all as disrespectful? To suggest banning people from protesting for peace is ridiculous.

In using the term 'hate march' and calling for bans, Suella Braverman continues her mission to sow division in society, planting the seed of fear, hoping to reap the rewards come an election loss for Rishi Sunak. You almost pity Sunak for what he feels he is stuck with.

Keir Starmer has his own challenges in his party. The course to election victory was looking so clear, but war in Israel and Gaza is the one issue that exposes Labour divisions like no other. Yet the difference between the parties is clear for all to see.

Health and social care secretary Steve Barclay told Radio 4's Today programme this morning: "The government thinks it's provocative to have these marches on Saturday, on Armistice Day. It's a very sacred day where the whole country comes together to remember those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to give us the freedom to protest - the freedom to protest to express different views the rest of the year. So I don't think it's the right day for those."

So "the rest of the year", Mr Barclay? Is that what they laid down their lives for? Perhaps what is inappropriate in this week of remembrance is putting words into the mouths of fallen servicemen and women.

The Met Police does not get everything right when it comes to protests, but Sir Mark Rowley is right that a ban on political protest would be wrong.