Remembrance services must go ahead without disruption, Defence Secretary insists
The Defence Secretary has called for Remembrance events to go ahead this weekend "without the threat of desecration or disruption", saying they must be fully protected.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Grant Shapps said "anything short of this would be morally indefensible".
"The next few days are a chance for us to show the best of Britain," he said.
"To put politics and protests aside and come together as one nation to remember those who have sacrificed everything in service of King and country, to protect the democratic freedoms we all enjoy today".
Mr Shapps said it was also about "honouring our veterans for their heroic service and thanking the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces today and the families that support them".
"So I urge every patriotic Briton to remember who this weekend is truly about - by attending local and national services and supporting the Poppy Appeal by wearing your poppy and donating to the Royal British Legion," he said.
"Remembrance is solely about commemorating those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation."
The planned route of the pro-Palestinian march in London on Saturday goes from Hyde Park – about a mile from the Cenotaph – to the US embassy in Vauxhall, south of the River Thames.
Veterans' Affairs Minister Johnny Mercer urged former military personnel not to join any counter protests, while stressing the route of the pro-Palestinian march is not due to go near the Cenotaph anyway.
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