Article updated to including latest information.
A Labour Party Councillor in the UK has been suspended after it emerged he had made comments calling for throats to be “cut” while speaking at an anti=racism rally in Walthamstow, east London yesterday evening.
Dartford Cllr. Ricky Jones made the comments to a large crowd that had gathered for the demonstration through a loudspeaker.
UK Labour Party Cllr. calls for throats to be "cut" at anti-racism demo in London. The BBC reported that those in attendance were "preaching a message of peace". pic.twitter.com/uR4eA8J5FS
Jones said, “They are disgusting Nazi fascists and we need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.”
He ended by chanting, “Free free Palestine”.
These comments were followed by applause from many of those in attendance.
The BBC reported on the protest saying that those in attendance were “preaching a message of peace”.
A spokesperson for the Labour Party said, “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.”
British police are also investigating the incident with Scotland Yard saying, “We are aware of the significant public concern around this video. Officers are investigating as a matter of urgency. We will update as soon as we can.”
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a man in his 50s was arrested at an address in South East London following an investigation into the incident.
The Met says that the man “was held on suspicion of encouraging murder and for an offence under the Public Order Act. He is in custody at a south London police station.”
UPDATE: Officers have arrested a man aged in his 50s at an address in South East London.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 8, 2024
He was held on suspicion of encouraging murder and for an offence under the Public Order Act.
He is in custody at a south London police station. https://t.co/YVuXRStZzd