A Labour councillor has been charged with encouraging violent disorder after being filmed telling protesters to “cut the throats” of “disgusting nasty fascists” during a demonstration in Walthamstow on Wednesday evening.
Ricky Jones, a councillor for Dartford, Kent, was arrested after his inflammatory remarks were caught on video during a counter-demonstration against far-right activists. Jones accused far-right members of placing National Front stickers with hidden razor blades on trains, before urging the crowd to take violent action.
In the video, Jones can be heard saying, “They are disgusting nasty fascists, and we need to cut all their throats and get rid of them all.” His comments received a mixed response from the crowd, with some cheering and applauding, while others appeared shocked.
Jones, who has since been suspended by the Labour Party, was arrested at an address in southeast London and charged with one count of encouraging violent disorder. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London North, confirmed the charges, stating: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Ricky Jones, 57, with one count of encouraging violent disorder. Jones was filmed addressing a crowd in Walthamstow on Wednesday, 7 August, during which he appeared to make remarks and a gesture to encourage others to act violently towards far-right protesters.
Following the incident, the Labour Party swiftly distanced itself from Jones, with a spokesperson stating: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it will not be tolerated. The councillor has been suspended from the party.”
Jones, who is also an organiser for the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) union, has been administratively suspended from the Labour Party, meaning he can no longer be referred to as a Labour councillor. The TSSA also condemned his remarks, saying in a statement: “TSSA remains steadfast in supporting communities that peacefully stand against fascist aggression. We unequivocally do not condone any threats or acts of violence, as these actions are contrary to our values.”
The anti-racism demonstration in Walthamstow drew thousands of people who rallied to send a clear message against hate, following suggestions that far-right groups might gather in the area. The protest was largely peaceful, with attendees holding signs that read “smash fascism and racism” and “love not hate.
Footage of Jones’ speech was shared online by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who criticized the lack of immediate action from the Labour Party before news of the suspension broke. Farage and other commentators have accused police of operating with a “two-tier” system, suggesting that some protesters are treated more leniently than others—a claim that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has rejected as “complete nonsense.
