Police have arrested a suspended Labour councillor following allegations that he incited violence during a protest. Ricky Jones, a local councillor in Dartford, Kent, reportedly made inflammatory remarks suggesting that fascists should have their throats cut. Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest in a tweet featuring the original video of Jones making the comments.
Officers detained a man in his 50s at an address in south-east London. He faces charges of encouraging murder and violating the Public Order Act and remains in custody at a south London police station.
The video shows a man addressing a crowd, calling them to action against “disgusting Nazi fascists,” urging they be eliminated. Protesters stood on the road behind him, holding signs reading: “Smash fascism and racism by any means necessary.” These comments refer to ongoing violent disorders across the country, which have included attacks on a mosque in Southport and assaults on hotels housing asylum seekers.
This man should be arrested. If not, we know there is two-tier policing. @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/PR50gGK2zJ
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 8, 2024
Labour confirmed Jones’s suspension in response to the video. This suspension removes him from his position as a Labour councillor, forcing him to sit as an independent. A Labour spokesperson deemed the behaviour “completely unacceptable” and stated the councillor’s suspension from the party.
Protesters gathered in Walthamstow, east London, on Wednesday to counter the violent unrest. The National Police Chiefs’ Council reported over 480 arrests connected to the disturbances. Following the anti-racism demonstration in Walthamstow, Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley indicated that the night concluded peacefully, though a few local criminals attempted antisocial behaviour, leading to several arrests.