According to Sky News, Jeremy Corbyn has agreed to a police interview under caution after attending a pro-Palestinian rally in London. The former Labour leader, aged 75, voluntarily visited a London police station earlier today.
It is reported by the BBC that John McDonnell, aged 73, who served as shadow chancellor during Corbyn’s time as leader, also agreed to be interviewed voluntarily.
Sky News observed both individuals leaving Charing Cross Police station this afternoon. They chose not to comment when approached.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell
Nine other individuals have been charged with public order infractions following arrests at the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) rally on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police mentioned they observed a deliberate attempt, including by rally organizers, to violate imposed conditions at the event.
This claim has been refuted by PSC, accusing the Met of using aggressive measures.
The rally coincided with the ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas after the extended war in Gaza.
Police confirmed that the organizers had agreed to keep the protest static to prevent large gatherings near a nearby synagogue close to the BBC headquarters at Portland Place.
In a statement on Sunday, the Met announced that individuals charged with breaching conditions, including Mr. Corbyn’s brother Piers, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court soon.
The statement also mentioned that three men agreed to voluntary interviews under caution at a Central London Police Station today.
Identified only by their ages, the Met stated: “The 75-year-old, 73-year-old, and 61-year-old are scheduled for interviews with officers this afternoon”.
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PSC accused the Met of promoting a false narrative by claiming that a peaceful delegation breached police lines.
The group clarified that they decided to peacefully protest the ban on their march towards the BBC and walked silently towards the broadcaster’s office in objection to the “anti-democratic” decision.
They asserted that when they reached the police line, they were allowed to proceed towards Trafalgar Square.
Both Mr. Corbyn and Mr. McDonnell contested the police’s version of the events.
In response to a police social media post alleging that protesters forced their way through police lines, Mr. Corbyn stated: “This is not an accurate portrayal of the events.
“I was part of a group of speakers aiming to peacefully carry and lay flowers in memory of Gaza’s children who had lost their lives.”
“The police facilitated this action. We did not forcibly push through.”
Mr. McDonnell supported this by saying: “I spoke at the demonstration and joined a group of speakers planning to go to the BBC to lay flowers commemorating the deaths of Palestinian children.
“We did not push our way through; the police permitted our passage and when halted in Trafalgar Square, we placed our flowers and dispersed.”
Currently, Mr. Corbyn serves as the independent MP for Islington North after contesting against his former party in the general election. He was suspended due to an antisemitism controversy.
Mr. McDonnell is currently an independent MP, having lost party privileges for six months last July for voting against the government on the child benefit cap.