Labour suspends councillor after telling counter-protestors to 'cut all the throats' of the 'fascists'

8 August 2024, 13:04 | Updated: 8 August 2024, 14:46

A Labour councillor has been suspended after telling counter-protestors in Walthamstow to "cut all the throats" of "fascists".

Labour Councillor for Princes, Ricky Jones, has been suspended from the party after footage emerged showing him making the comments at Wednesday nights protests.

Standing in a crowd, the Labour councillor could be seen to swipe at his neck in an apparent throat-cutting gesture as the comments are made.

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated," Labour said in a statement on Thursday.

Adding: "The councillor has been suspended from the party.”

Attending last night's event in Walthamstow, Jones could be heard shouting "get rid of them all" in a video circulated online.

He also appeared to be applauded by a representative from human rights organisation Amnesty International in the footage.

Amnesty International has been contacted by LBC for comment.

The Metropolitan Police have now confirmed they are investigating the video "as a matter of urgency".

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Taking to X, the force said: "We are aware of the significant public concern around this video.

"Officers are investigating as a matter of urgency," adding: "We will update as soon as we can."

It follows a night that saw thousands of peaceful anti-racism demonstrators take to the streets around the country, with thousands uniting in Walthamstow against far-Right rioters.

The action quashed fears of further violent disorder on Wednesday night, despite the threat of more than 100 planned protests.

The video, which was uploaded to X following the protests, shows the councillor making a slashing motion with his finger towards his throat.

The crowds surrounding the Labour member can be heard cheering the speaker on.

LBC understands that Jones has been administratively suspended and the whip removed, meaning he can no longer be called a Labour councillor.

It comes as Labour MP for Norwich South Clive Lewis condemned the comments.

Speaking to Vanessa Feltz on LBC, he said: "It's wrong, completely wrong, these were non-violent protests.

"To turn up to a non-violent protest and use the language of violence, death and murder...a terrible thing to say."

Immigration centres and lawyers' offices were anticipated to be the main focus of the protests last night, as shops boarded up ahead of a further night of violence.

Businesses and other organisations in London, Liverpool, Brighton, Northampton, Essex, where local authorities expect rioting, have taken precautions in advance.

This is a developing story