DAY OF RAGE: Grenfell Tower victims FURY at 'opportunist' protesters for HIJACKING GRIEF
ORGANISERS of a so-called Day of Rage protest against the Government have been accused of hijacking the grief of Grenfell Tower survivors and victims’ families.
McDonnell: ‘Day Of Rage’ is not the right expression for protest
The demonstration, organised by Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary (MFJ) to coincide with the Queen's Speech today, will see protesters march to Downing Street at 1pm as they aim to "bring down the Government".
The protests are to take place on the day Prime Minister Theresa May sets out her legislative programme for the next two years in a speech expected to be dominated by Brexit.
But organisers are also using the horrifying Grenfell Tower fire and its aftermath to drum up support for their cause.
An MFJ pamphlet entitled “Justice for Grenfell Tower residents” urges: “Walk out of school, take the day off, call in sick, strike! Class war – no justice, no peace, bring down the government!”
Grenfell Tower victims make a statement outside Downing Street
They do not want their grief hijacked for any violent or destructive means
Protesters have been urged to keep their activities peaceful amid concerns the tragedy may be hijacked for violent means.
The Clement James Centre, which has been helping Grenfell residents, said: "There has been a Day of Rage announced for Wednesday, trying to bring London to a standstill.
"We cannot emphasise enough how against this many of the affected residents we've spoken to are and they do not want their grief hijacked for any violent or destructive means.
“They're angry, they're grieving, but they are working to bring about positive change and action through conversations with the right people.
“They want their voices about this to be heard just as loudly. But if any violence ensues, the issue takes a whole new direction.'
Organisers said they are seeking the permanent right to remain in the UK for all Grenfell Tower residents, and for survivors to take over unoccupied flats in Kensington and Chelsea.
Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell said: “What is particularly shocking is that they are pretending it is about the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.
“It just seems like the hard-Left using it as an excuse to forward their agenda, which is despicable.”
Fellow Tory MP Nadine Dorries said it was “wholly irresponsible, simply disgusting and the actions of the lowest of the low.”
Jacob Rees-Mogg MP added: “Inciting a day of rage when Parliament reassembles after an election is an attempt to replace democracy and the rule of law with mob power. No democrat can support it.”
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell has attempted to downplay the protest. He said: "To everyone planning on demonstrating against Theresa May's Government over the next few weeks, it is vital that these protests are peaceful."
But several militant groups are expected to converge on the capital for the Day of Rage.
The description on the MFJ event page reads: "Politicians and many community and religious leaders will be looking to divert our rage and fury into inquiries, investigations, reports, court hearings, and parliamentary processes.
"We will not accept those brush-offs and diversions, we will not settle for less than the destruction of May's coalition of austerity and bigotry - we must bring down this government."
Several different marches will take place for today's Queen's Speech, under the themes of anti-austerity and Brexit.
London Socialist Party is hosting a Facebook event called "May Must Go! Protest the Queen's Speech" which is scheduled for 4pm.
Stand Up To Racism has organised a demo for 6pm called: "Protest the Queen's speech - no to May/DUP racism and bigotry!"
Scotland Yard are flooding the streets with extra officers amid fears tempers could boil over with temperatures in the city looking set to soar.