Labour Councillor Arrested in Walthamstow
- A Labour councillor was arrested in Walthamstow for making a violent speech, which the party deemed 'completely unacceptable'.
- The arrest involved a man in his 50s, who is facing charges of incitement.
- This incident raises concerns over political rhetoric and its implications on public safety.
Dartford councillor Ricky Jones, recently suspended by the Labour Party, has been arrested after making inflammatory remarks during a protest in Walthamstow, London. The protest aimed to counter far-right groups targeting asylum centres and legal offices assisting asylum seekers. In a video that surfaced, Jones can be heard calling for violence against "fascists," stating, “We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them,” followed by leading a chant of “free, free Palestine.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his 50s at a southeast London address, stating he is currently in custody. The Labour Party condemned Jones's remarks, labeling them as "completely unacceptable" and emphasizing that such behavior will not be tolerated. The party's response reflects a broader concern regarding the implications of violent rhetoric in political discourse. In a show of cross-party unity, Mike Galsworthy, chair of the pro-EU European Movement, also called for Jones's arrest, criticizing the crowd's reaction to his speech. He urged that those who applauded should face consequences, asserting that "there’s no place for this murderous talk anywhere in our society." Additionally, Jones is affiliated with the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA), which reiterated its commitment to peaceful opposition against fascism. A spokesperson for TSSA emphasized that they do not condone any threats or acts of violence, aligning with their core values of peaceful advocacy.