In response to the Home Secretary’s comments on the Pro-Palestine demo this Saturday (11 November), Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, said:

“Once again, Suella Braverman’s extremely ill-judged comments seem deliberately designed to divide communities.

“The Home Secretary’s remarks will increase the risk of violence from counter-protesters while violating the operational independence of the police. Their duty is to facilitate the right to peaceful protest.

“All politicians have an important responsibility to be mindful of how their language will impact on our rights, freedoms and safety, particularly on sensitive issues.

“In recent days, it’s been incredibly concerning to hear multiple ministers speak out in ways which have been divisive and even inflammatory.

“Protests planned for this weekend must be allowed to go ahead, without any further interference.

“Our right to protest is not subject to the opinions of our political leaders.”