PM also demands to know what force’s boss ‘will do to ensure officers do more to make Jewish communities in London feel safe’

Rishi Sunak expressed shock and disappointment at the Metropolitan Police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march where a man was threatened with arrest and labelled as “openly Jewish.” Downing Street stated that Prime Minister Boris Johnson expects Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to explain the events, which have sparked calls for the commissioner to step down.

The incident, which occurred during a pro-Palestinian protest on April 13, involved Gideon Falter, the head of the Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA). Mr. Falter was warned of arrest by a police officer who referred to him as “openly Jewish” and accused him of “causing a breach of peace.”

The government expressed outrage at the incident, with a source stating, “The PM has seen the footage and is as appalled as everyone else by the officer calling Mr. Falter ‘openly Jewish’. He expects the Met commissioner to account for how it happened, and what he will do to ensure officers do more to make Jewish communities in London feel safe.”

Following the incident, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan summoned Commissioner Rowley to a meeting on Monday to address concerns over community relations. However, Mr. Khan is understood to have confidence in the commissioner.

The incident has led to calls for Commissioner Rowley’s resignation. The CAA called for his resignation, and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman suggested he should step down. However, government sources downplayed the possibility of sacking him.

In response, Commissioner Rowley apologized, but the force’s initial apology caused further controversy. The Met suggested that objectors to pro-Palestine marches “must know that their presence is provocative,” prompting another apology.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews also wrote to Commissioner Rowley, expressing a “grievous loss of confidence” in the Met and calling for urgent action.

While Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho stated she wouldn’t go as far as calling for Rowley’s resignation without further conversation, she emphasized the importance of holding the Met accountable.

The incident has sparked national attention and a debate over policing and community relations in London