Suspended Labour councillor has been arrested on suspicion of encouraging murder following the emergence of a video footage in which the councillor called for violent action against anti-immigration protesters, stating that their ‘throats should be cut’.
Councillor in Dartford, Kent, Ricky Jones, was recorded on video during a protest that took place in Walthamstow, east London on Wednesday evening, organised to stop the far-right from targeting asylum centres and the offices of lawyers helping asylum seekers, The Independent reported.
In the speech Jones said: “We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them.” Following his remarks, he proceeded to initiate a chant among the audience, repeating “free, free Palestine”.
The Metropolitan police have confirmed that he has been arrested under the Public Order Act in connection with the incident. “Officers have arrested a man aged in his 50s at an address in south-east London.” The Metropolitan Police posted a statement on X.
“He was held on suspicion of encouraging murder and for an offence under the Public Order Act. He is in custody at a south London police station,” they added.
Following the release of the video, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared a post on X and said, Jones should be arrested. Farage tagged the Metropolitan Police in his tweet and said: “This man should be arrested. If not, we know there is two-tier policing.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.”
Councillor in Dartford, Kent, Ricky Jones, was recorded on video during a protest that took place in Walthamstow, east London on Wednesday evening, organised to stop the far-right from targeting asylum centres and the offices of lawyers helping asylum seekers, The Independent reported.
In the speech Jones said: “We need to cut all their throats and get rid of them.” Following his remarks, he proceeded to initiate a chant among the audience, repeating “free, free Palestine”.
The Metropolitan police have confirmed that he has been arrested under the Public Order Act in connection with the incident. “Officers have arrested a man aged in his 50s at an address in south-east London.” The Metropolitan Police posted a statement on X.
“He was held on suspicion of encouraging murder and for an offence under the Public Order Act. He is in custody at a south London police station,” they added.
Following the release of the video, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage shared a post on X and said, Jones should be arrested. Farage tagged the Metropolitan Police in his tweet and said: “This man should be arrested. If not, we know there is two-tier policing.”
A Labour spokesperson said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.”
