The British Parliament has urged the government to launch an independent investigation into the police handling of a pro-Palestine demonstration in London on January 18. The call comes after 51 members of the House of Lords and the House of Commons sent a joint letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, criticizing the police’s intervention and dispersal of the protest.
The letter condemned the police’s actions as an infringement on the right to peaceful protest and called for a thorough review of the incident. It emphasized that despite the recent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian cause remains a significant global and domestic issue.
The lawmakers expressed deep concern over the obstacles imposed by police on the demonstration, including the blocking of the pre-approved route and the implementation of strict restrictions. The January 18 protest, which saw tens of thousands of participants rallying in solidarity with Palestine, ended with 77 arrests.
The letter highlighted the importance of upholding democratic freedoms, including the right to protest, and called for accountability in the police’s handling of the event. The incident has sparked widespread debate over the balance between public safety and the protection of civil liberties in the UK.