‘Today’s victims could have been saved by yesterday’s ceasefire’
Anon, from the 11th November 2023 March for Palestine
Saturday 11th saw huge crowds gather for the biggest demonstration for Palestine in British history – and, with over 800,000 people, one of the largest ever to march in London. Labour Outlook’s Sam Browse reports in pictures and social media posts from the march.
Here’s Ben Jamal, Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, explaining the importance and significance of the march in the run-up –
In the days before the demonstration, Suella Braverman attempted to have it cancelled. She was unsuccessful, but it prompted the organisers to put out this statement –
Despite attempts to prevent the demonstration, early signs suggested it would be huge. Here’s drone footage early in the day from Shelly Asquith, Chair of the Stop the War Coalition, showing the crowds on Park Lane –
People on the march brought flags to demonstrate their solidarity –
Some brought the Irish tricolor, too –
Demonstrators create their own placards, condemning Israeli war crimes against the people in Gaza –
Some placards were extremely creative –
Others criticised Suella Braverman for attempting to ban the march, and at Rishi Sunak’s criticisms –
Meanwhile, as over 800,000 people marched for Palestine, the far right – emboldened both by Sunak’s argument that it was disrespectful, and Braverman’s assertion that the cenotaph was at risk – picketed the cenotaph. As antiracist campaigners had warned, things soon turned to violence with the police –
Back at the demonstration, as the crowds hit Vauxhall Bridge, it was clear this was an unprecedented show of solidarity for Palestine.
Thousands of trade unionists joined the march, bringing their banners –
Here’s Maryam Eslamdoust, General Secretary of the TSSA union, marching with the crowd –
They were joined by other trade union leaders at the final rally. Here’s Mick Lynch of the RMT and Daniel Kebede of the NEU speaking from the platform –
Imran Hussein was one of the speakers at the final rally. The MP for Bradford East had resigned his position on Labour’s frontbench to call for a ceasefire. Here’s his speech –
The Labour frontbench position came under criticism by those at the demonstration, opposed to Starmer’s opposition to a ceasefire.
But other members of the Parliamentary Labour Party spoke out at the rally. Here’s Zarah Sultana, John McDonnell, and Apsana Begum –
The rally was also joined by Jeremy Corbyn and celebrities like Maxine Peake –
After Saturday’s fantastic demonstration, we must continue to put on the pressure for a ceasefire, an end to the siege, and for a just peace in Palestine.
- You can find out about future actions and the work of the Palestine Solidarity campaign here, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- If you support Labour Outlook’s work amplifying the voices of left movements and struggles in the UK and internationally, please consider becoming a supporter on Patreon.
