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  4.  » Met chief likely to survive calls to quit over officer’s ‘openly Jewish’ comment

“The Jew cries out in pain as he strikes you” – old Polish saying

Vikram Dodd, Mathew Weaver – The Guardian Apr21, 2024

The Metropolitan police commissioner is expected to survive calls for his resignation over a video of an officer suggesting that being “openly Jewish” was a provocation to pro-Palestinian protesters.

A government source said that the home secretary, James Cleverly, retained full confidence in Sir Mark Rowley, and sources inside the Met rejected any suggestion that he was considering his position.

Rowley faced calls to quit from the former home secretary Suella Braverman and the Campaign Against Antisemitism after its chief executive, Gideon Falter, was described by an officer as being “openly Jewish” during a pro-Palestinian demonstration earlier this month.

Another officer told Falter he would be arrested if he did not leave the vicinity of the protest, as his presence was “antagonising”

But the row looks likely to continue, and Cleverly and the policing minister, Chris Philp, are expected to discuss it directly with Rowley.

More pro-Palestinian marches are planned, which may open the Met up to continued criticism that it is too soft on demonstrators. The force says it is acting in line with the law and is frustrated that ministers have failed to come up with any plans for tougher measures.

In footage of the incident, Falter appeared to be accompanied by a security guard as he was confronted by officers during the protest. He was asked by an officer what his intention was and how many people were in his group. He said: “I’m just waiting for a couple of people and then we are planning to carry on our way.”

Asked to confirm that footage showed Falter accompanied by a security guard, the CAA said it couldn’t comment.

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