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Police have been accused of ignoring the harassment of MPs and journalists by “far-right” demonstrators outside parliament.
Conservative MP Anna Soubry , who on Monday was subjected to chants of “Soubry is a Nazi” during television interviews and later followed along the street by a group of protesters shouting abuse, said the Metropolitan Police should take action.
She added that although she anticipated some criticism and abuse as an MP, she expected authorities to act when it “crossed the line”.
Ms Soubry, who has been repeatedly targeted, told Good Morning Britain : “It crossed the line in December, it was journalists who were being attacked.
“[Sky News’ political editor] Faisal Islam, who is male, was racially abused by these people, it’s the same group, all on video and the policy of the Metropolitan Police is to ignore it.”
Five supporters of the group have so far been arrested by police, during a protest that saw scuffles on Saturday and on Monday.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At approximately 1.40pm on Monday, 7 January, a suspect was arrested on Parliament Square in relation to the Brexit protest.
“They were arrested for assault and have been taken to a central London police station.”
Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Show all 11 1 /11Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) and a pro-Brexit protester argue as they demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A pro-Brexit protester argues
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround the pro-Brexit protester after he confronted Steve Bray, a pro-European protester
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer as he argues with a remain supporter, Steve Bray, outside Parliament
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament MPs in Parliament are to vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal next week after her December vote was called off in the face of a major defeat
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A leave supporter is spoken to by a police officer
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police look on as anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament.
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police hold back a leave supporter
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament A police officer speaks with anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Police surround a pro-Brexit protester after he confronted a pro-European protester
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Police separate clashing Brexit protesters outside Parliament Conservative MP David Davies, wearing a gopro camera, speaks to anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray
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The protesters, who have grown increasingly vocal in recent weeks, appear to be led by Tommy Robinson supporter James Goddard.
Calling themselves the “Yellow Vests UK”, their demonstrations started in December when they blocked a series of bridges in central London.
The group has been returning to Westminster on an almost daily basis to heckle pro-Remain protesters, journalists and MPs outside Parliament.
Smoke bombs set off outside London's Downing Street by far-right 'yellow vest' protesters They have also targeted government buildings, blocking the entrance to the Cabinet Office and shouting through the gates of Downing Street.
Over the festive period, the “yellow vests” protested inside LBC radio’s headquarters and Mr Goddard visited the “treacherous” Labour Party’s offices in central London.
Last month Mr Goddard filmed himself and others harassing Ms Soubry and calling her a “traitor”; he films many of his activities around parliament and attempts to crowd-fund using PayPal.
"Brexit betrayal" march in LondonShow all 43 1 /43"Brexit betrayal" march in London "Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-BBC sign
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a sign in the picket line
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carrying a noose at the "Brexit betrayal" march. The man carrying it told a reporter: "That's what the traitor May deserves."
AP
"Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit supporters hold a sign opposed to Nigel Farage
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters carry a defaced British flag on the march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson addresses a rally after taking part in a Brexit 'betrayal' march in central London
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Police officers attempts to keep rival protesters from clashing at the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds an anti-Theresa May sign
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator and his dog
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator at the protest
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit sign at the rally
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro-brexit demonstrators endorse UKIP
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A Brexit 'betrayal' march protester wearing a Make Britain Great Again hat in London on 9 December 2018
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London The "Brexit Betrayal" march passes through Central London
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Tommy Robinson tells protesters to join Ukip via their mobile phones on stage next to leader Gerard Batten (right) at the Brexit 'betrayal' march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester speaks thorugh a megaphone on the march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator walks in the picket line
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester carries a Union Jack on the march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator wrapped in the Union Jack
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit anti-May sign at the rally
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Pro brexit demonstrators move through Central London
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator marches with sign
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A pro-brexit demonstrator holds a rude sign in the rally
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London The march passes down Victoria Street near Parliament
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A festive protester marches near Parliament
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a mock noose as the march passes down Victoria Street towards Parliament
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester wrapped in the Union Jack marches down Victoria Street towards Parliament
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester makes some noise on the march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester dressed as a dinosaur holds a sign rallying against "Davocracy" - in reference to the annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester holds a pro-brexit sign on the march
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London The march approaches parliament
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A protester distributes pro-brexit lapel badges
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A demonstrator wears an anti-EU poster and holds an anti-BBC sign
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A smoke bomb is deployed in Parliament Square as the march comes across the counter-demonstration
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London A flag bearing the Arms of Plantagenet flies in theprot
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
"Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Protesters on the Brexit 'betrayal' march in London on 9 December 2018
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London Brexit 'betrayal' marchers gathering on Park Lane ahead of a protest on 9 December 2018
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"Brexit betrayal" march in London
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Sometimes clad in yellow vests, aping French protesters demonstrating against the economics of Emmanuel Macron’s government, his small group has used previous marches to call Theresa May “treasonous” while urging a no-deal Brexit .
On Saturday, “yellow vest” protesters took to the streets in several UK cities . Four people, including a 13-year-old girl, were arrested in London following clashes with police on Whitehall.
Mr Goddard filmed himself shouting: “If they want a war we’ll give them a war, let’s give them a f***ing war” in a live stream posted on Facebook.
“Yellow vest” protesters have included former supporters of far-right groups including the English Defence League (EDL), Britain First and anti-Islam Pegida UK.
Brexit protesters shout traitor and Hitler jibes at Anna Soubry as she walks down street The band has also included family members of the three teenage boys killed by a drunk driver in Hayes, west London , last spring.
Mr Goddard attended a hearing at the Court of Appeal that was disrupted by protesters after judges announced a reduction in sentence for the boys’ killer, Jaynesh Chudasama. Protesters shouted abuse at lawyers and clerks in the court, calling them “scum” and “corrupt”.
Donald Trump supporter Mr Goddard has previously called Islam a “political ideology that advocates your death” and claimed terror attacks were being covered up by UK authorities.
Monday’s harassment led dozens of MPs to write to Met commissioner Cressida Dick expressing their “serious concerns” about the “deteriorating public order and security situation” outside parliament.
The letter comes as police investigate whether any criminal offence was committed during the abuse of Ms Soubry on Monday. Also on Monday, left-wing journalist Owen Jones posted a video of himself being followed and abused by the same group.
A cross-party group of at least 55 MPs signed the missive criticising a “lack of co-ordination” in the response from officers and appropriate authorities despite assurances that incidents before Christmas would be dealt with.
They wrote: “After months of peaceful and calm protests by groups representing a range of political views on Brexit, an ugly element of individuals with strong far right and extreme right connections – which your officers are well aware of – have increasingly engaged in intimidatory and potentially criminal acts targeting members of parliament, journalists, activists and members of the public.”
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on BrexitShow all 65 1 /65A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A People’s Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at London’s march for the future in October
The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October
The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
EPA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal
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A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum
PA
Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow has said he is “keeping a close eye” on protests and had raised MPs’ concerns with the Met. He said officers had been “made very well aware”.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, of the Met, said in a statement released mid-morning on Tuesday: “Police continue to assess if any crimes have been committed following a third-party report of a public order offence on Monday, 7 January, in the area of College Green.
“If a crime has been committed the matter will be fully investigated. There has been no arrest at this stage.
“An ongoing policing operation at the parliamentary estate around Brexit continues and we have an appropriate policing plan in place. Our role is to facilitate peaceful protest and balance the needs and rights of all those present, including protestors, MPs and members of the public.
“We will deal robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against anyone where that harassment or abuse constitutes a criminal offence.
“Officers in the area have been briefed to intervene appropriately where they hear or see breaches of the law.”
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In a video posted to his Facebook page overnight Mr Goddard claimed that Ms Soubry “wasn’t verbally assaulted”.
Of the chants calling the pro-EU Broxtowe MP a “Nazi” and a “fascist”, he said: ”Why is it ok for [the left] to say it yet the moment we say it we’re the ones who are branded things and they’re going to investigate us ... ?”
Additional reporting by PA
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