Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell are set to be interviewed under caution by police following their participation in a pro-Palestinian rally in central London on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police are investigating alleged breaches of conditions imposed on the event by its organisers.
The 75-year-old Corbyn and 73-year-old McDonnell, who now both sit as independent MPs, will voluntarily attend a police station in London on Sunday afternoon. This comes amid a broader investigation that has already seen nine individuals charged with public order offences, including Corbyn’s brother, Piers Corbyn.
Charges and Arrests Following Rally
The rally, organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), was held in Whitehall after police restricted plans to march from Portland Place near the BBC’s headquarters, citing proximity to a synagogue and concerns about disruption on a Jewish holy day.
Nine individuals, including chief steward Chris Nineham, have been charged with public order offences and are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in the coming days. The Met Police have also confirmed that 24 people have been bailed while 48 remain in custody.
Controversy Over Protest Actions
The rally occurred as Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Tensions escalated when a group of protesters reportedly attempted to march from Whitehall, breaking through a police line and gathering at Trafalgar Square.
The Met posted an image of protesters being restrained at the scene, claiming they had forced their way through police lines. However, Corbyn disputed this in a social media post, stating:
“This is not an accurate description of events. I was part of a delegation of speakers who peacefully carried and laid flowers in memory of children in Gaza killed during the conflict.”
McDonnell echoed Corbyn’s sentiment, clarifying on X:
“We did not force our way through. The police allowed us to pass, and when stopped at Trafalgar Square, we laid our flowers and dispersed.”
Rally Restrictions Under Public Order Act
The rally’s organisers were required to comply with conditions under the Public Order Act, which confined the protest to Whitehall and prohibited gatherings near Broadcasting House due to security concerns. Despite these measures, the Met is investigating whether organisers coordinated actions to breach these restrictions.
Those charged include:
• Piers Corbyn, 77, Elephant and Castle, London
• Christopher Nineham, 62, Bow, London
• Angela Zelter, 73, Knighton, Powys
• Tessa Roe-Stanton, 20, Brockley, London
• Starr Thomas, 20, Brockley, London
• Christian Adair, 23, Brockley, London
• Monday Rosenfeld, 21, Limehouse, London
• Matthew Brennan, 44, St George, Bristol
• David Ok, 40, Kilburn, London
The Met confirmed that three other men, including Corbyn and McDonnell, have voluntarily agreed to interviews under caution as part of the ongoing investigation.
