North West Leicestershire-based councillor Craig Smith has written to Leicestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews to ask for zero tolerance for any kind of disruption that interferes with any acts of Remembrance this weekend.

He has received assurances from Mr Matthews that the Chief Constable of Leicestershire to make sure that anyone taking part in Remembrance events can do so "without any disorder marring this most solemn and important of events."

Leicestershire County Councillor Smith is a member of Whitwick Royal British Legion which will be among the organisers of Sunday's Remembrance Day service in Coalville.

But he is concerned about pro-Palestinian demonstrations - which are planned for this weekend in London - and whether they may have an effect on services in other parts of the country, including Ashby.

In an open letter to Mr Matthews, Ashby-born Cllr Smith wrote "Every one of us has been affected by the horrific events that we have seen play out on the news in Israel and Gaza.

"These events are extremely complex, and it would be wrong of me to profess to be an expert in Middle East and politics.

Leicestershire PCC Rupert Matthews. Photo: Leicestershire Police

"We all mourn the loss of all innocent lives on both sides of the conflict. There are justifiable concerns about such eventually occurring, and we know that Hamas hides behind innocent Palestinian civilians. Every one of us wants to see a draw to a close With the perpetrators of those horrific attacks brought to justice and the hostages freed.

"In the UK, many have strongly held views about the conflict and many have protested. That is their right, and it is an important one. Great "Britain is a country that is built on the values of tolerance and mutual respect.

"Defending those rights were, in part, about why I signed up to serve my country. Having freedoms and rights comes with responsibilities.

"Just because we can do something it doesn't mean that we should do it.

"Every year we mark the sacrifice of our servicemen and women at Remembrance services up and down the country. Thousands of us will be in attendance at services right here in North West Leicestershire, others will watch His Majesty lay a wreath at the Cenotaph.

"Remembrance goes to the heart of what we are as a nation. It is our right to practice such acts of remembrance without the fear of disruption or potential violence.

"I pray that all those planning demonstrations on Armistice Day will uphold those values are respected, and simply not protest on a weekend, where we all, regardless of beliefs, but as Britons, remember those who pay the ultimate price in all wars, people of all faiths and beliefs who gave their lives willingly so that we could live in peace and freedom.

"Yes, we all have the right to protest, but we have a duty to protect others too. It's one of those unwritten rules that speaks to who we are as Britons, just because we can, it doesn't mean we should.

"So I'm asking you as the Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner to ask the Chief Constable to ensure that adequate forces are on hand to ensure that Remembrance Day parades pass off without incident.

"I would want to see zero tolerance to disruption of any kind, that interferes with any act of remembrance in our towns and villages within Leicestershire and Rutland over the weekend of November 10, 11 and 12."