Jeremy Corbyn has consented to be questioned under caution by law enforcement after a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London, according to information from Sky News.
The former Labour leader, aged 75, voluntarily presented himself at a police station in the city earlier today.
The BBC reported that John McDonnell, 73, who served as the shadow chancellor during Mr. Corbyn’s tenure, also agreed to a voluntary interview.
Sky News observed the duo departing Charing Cross Police Station this afternoon, where they chose not to comment when approached.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell
Additionally, nine others have been charged with public order violations following detentions made during the protest coordinated by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) on Saturday.
The Metropolitan Police stated they observed a “deliberate effort, including by protest organisers” to violate stipulations that had been placed on the event.
The PSC has denied these claims, accusing the Met of employing excessively forceful tactics.
The demonstration occurred as Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement following a prolonged 15-month conflict in Gaza.
Authorities indicated that the organisers acknowledged the protest would be stationary to prevent crowds from forming near a synagogue situated a short distance from the BBC’s headquarters by Portland Place.
In a statement on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police mentioned that those charged with violating the conditions, including Mr. Corbyn’s brother Piers, are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in the upcoming days.
They further noted that three men had consented to attend voluntarily at a Central London Police Station today for questioning under caution.
Providing only their ages, the Met stated: “The 75-year-old, 73-year-old, and 61-year-old will be questioned by officers this afternoon”.
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The PSC has accused the Met of advancing “a deceptive narrative about the occurrences” by “asserting that a peaceful delegation forced their way through the police lines”.
The organization stated that following the Met’s prohibition of their march to the BBC, they clarified their intent to protest against that “anti-democratic” decision if the restrictions persisted, by walking “quietly and peacefully” toward the broadcaster’s offices.
They asserted that upon reaching the police line, they were invited to proceed towards Trafalgar Square.
Mr. Corbyn and Mr. McDonnell have also contested the police’s account of events.
In reaction to a police social media announcement claiming that protesters “pushed their way through” police lines, Mr. Corbyn remarked: “This is not an accurate depiction of events at all.
“I was a member of a delegation of speakers, who sought to peacefully carry and place flowers in remembrance of children in Gaza who had lost their lives.”
“This was facilitated by the police. We did not push our way through.”
This sentiment was reinforced by Mr. McDonnell, who stated: “I spoke at the demonstration and was part of a procession of speakers intending to go to the BBC to lay flowers in honor of Palestinian children who had died.
“We did not force our way through; the police permitted us to pass, and when we were halted in Trafalgar Square, we laid our flowers and dispersed.”
Mr. Corbyn now serves as the independent MP for Islington North after successfully contesting against his former party in the general election, following his suspension amidst an antisemitism controversy.
Meanwhile, Mr. McDonnell continues to serve as an independent, having lost party affiliation for six months in July of last year for opposing the government regarding the child benefit cap.
