As Michael Gove made his way through London's Victoria Station, protestors surrounded and confronted him. This took place only a few seconds after a sit-in demonstration for Palestine came to an end.
Gove is a British politician who has served as Minister for Intergovernmental Relations and Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities since October 2022. He had been in these roles from September 2021 to July 2022. Since 2005, he has served as the Member of Parliament for Surrey Heath.
Attack on Gove
Pro-Palestinian protestors screamed, "Shame on you!" as the community secretary was brought through the lobby by police. Met police are seen pushing back protestors and yelling at them to get back in video footage shared on X (previously Twitter). The demonstrators can be seen carrying flags and rushing toward Gove.
According to the Guardian, Gove was at a major London rail station on a Saturday night, November 11, preparing to board a train.
On Armistice Day, thousands of protesters gathered in London to demand an end to the fighting between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. As many as 300,000 people, said the authorities, made their way to London for what is believed to be one of the largest demonstrations in British history.
A political controversy involving Suella Braverman's criticism of the police response to demonstrations has unfolded against the background of the march. The home secretary has been blamed for inciting far-right violence in the area around the Cenotaph by labeling pro-Palestinian activists as "hate marchers" and "Islamists" who planned to exploit Armistice Day to take over the streets of London.
As far-right organizations and police battled on Saturday, at least 92 counter-protesters were detained, but the march itself went ahead without a hitch.
Michael Gove passes through London's Victoria Station moments after a sit-in protest for Palestine ended. Protesters chanted, 'Shame on you', as police officers escorted him out. #MichaelGove #PalestineProtest #FreePalestine #ArmisticeDay #London pic.twitter.com/Gi2IKl4dRb
— Eleventh Hour (@EleventhHourPh1) November 11, 2023
Support for Co-Politician
Numerous lawmakers have shown support for Gove being the senior cabinet minister.
"This is so disgraceful," said Dame Arlene Foster, former first minister of Northern Ireland. "Sending solidarity to Michael Gove and all those who seek to go about their private business on a Saturday afternoon but who are intimidated by thugs."
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said it was unacceptable when people tried to intimidate him or other politicians.
Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, remarked: "It's not 'bizarre' for Michael Gove to use a major tube/train station. He should be able to travel in peace like everyone else. Those acting in this fashion damage their cause and, along with those displaying abhorrent antisemitism among the rally today, must be condemned."
