A couple of weeks ago the failed Labour MP John Woodcock who now calls himself Lord Walney presented his report on political violence and extremism. Woodcock has no qualifications or expertise in the area but that didn’t stop him from making numerous proposals to ban or restrict protests mainly in areas such as Palestine, climate or oil where he has a declared interest or is a paid lobbyist.
On Saturday 1st June far right grifter Yaxley Lennon organised a march in central London. The numbers were not insignificant, 5,000 or so. The banner at the head of the march suggested it was focused on hate (picture above).
The Met Police’s assessment was posted on their Twitter
Officers have identified individuals within the crowd who have a history of being involved in violent disorder. A number have football banning orders and are associated with hooligan groups from London and across the UK.
There is also an element of the crowd previously well known for involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the pandemic and associated disorder.
While there have not been any offences so far, a number of people in the crowd are intoxicated
Interviewed on Sky about the march (and a smaller counter lobby by Stand Up To Racism) Walney managed several minutes of waffle before starting on about ‘both sides’. When it comes to the which side are you on question Walney it seems clear is on that of the street thugs that Suella Braverman whipped up to cause disorder at the Centotaph in November 2023.
As he hints in the Sky interview Woodcock has now remembered he was once a Labour MP and is looking to get Keir Starmer on board with his authoritarian proposals on protest.
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