Emergency COBRA meeting called over UK’s terror threat level

DEPUTY PM Oliver Dowden will chair an emergency Cobra meeting this afternoon amid fears of violence at this weekend’s pro-Palestine protest.

Police chiefs and intelligence officials are expected to attend the meeting in Downing Street and update senior ministers on the UK’s terror threat level.

The Mega Agency

Oliver Dowden will chair an emergency Cobra meeting today[/caption]

Peter Jordan - The Sun

Intelligence chiefs will update the Deputy PM on the UK’s terror threat level[/caption]

A No10 spokesperson said the session will be “particularly focused on terror attacks on the UK domestically and how we can address cohesion”.

It comes one day after the Metropolitan Police implored protesters to “urgently reconsider” any demonstrations over the Armistice weekend.

Senior officers in the force are worried about breakaway groups intent on crime and disorder during the memorial events.

Met cops said they were “constantly examining the intelligence ahead of the weekend and would respond “appropriately”.

Home Secretary backed the Met’s statement, adding: “I welcome this statement from the Met Police. 

“The hate marchers need to understand that decent British people have had enough of these displays of thuggish intimidation and extremism.”

Senior Met police met with organisers from a number of groups earlier today to discuss concerns.

They declined to postpone any demonstrations.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan added: “The risk of violence and disorder linked to breakaway groups is growing.

“This is of concern ahead of a significant and busy weekend in the capital.

“Our message to organisers is clear: Please, we ask you to urgently reconsider. It is not appropriate to hold any protests in London this weekend.”

Since October 7, more than 160 people have been arrested for a range of offences, including racially motivated public offences, violence and assaulting police officers.

There has been an escalation in violence and disorder linked to protests, often perpetrated by breakaway groups who have no interest in demonstration causes.

The move comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said any such demos would be “provocative and disrespectful”.

Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho earlier said “the culture of this country” will not accept disruption to the Remembrance commemorations as she revealed “very serious concerns” about public order risks.