Shapps accuses Labour of ‘playing politics’ over Braverman protest comments

Government begins apparent defence of home secretary after claims her rhetoric led to far-right counterprotest

Grant Shapps has accused Labour of trying to play politics" over far-right protests in London, blamed in part on Suella Braverman's rhetoric, as ministers began an apparent defence of the beleaguered home secretary.

Following the violent scenes around the Cenotaph on Saturday, where far-right groups fought officers in what was billed a counterprotest to a much larger pro-Palestine demonstration, Labour said Braverman had intentionally inflamed tensions and undermined the police.