Campaigners from Dorset will be joining a controversial protest in London today.

More than half a million people could attend the pro-Palestinian protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza - including 53 members of the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign - in the capital today, Armistice Day.

The planned demonstration, which will be heavily policed, has come under fire as it coincides with Armistice Day. Home Office Secretary Suella Braverman called pro-Palestinian protesters ‘hate marchers’ and claimed police had a left-wing bias by not stopping the march.

The Home Secretary's actions have added to tension around the march by pro-Palestinian groups, and the risk of counter-protests, particularly around the Cenotaph, even though the demonstration is not intended to go near the monument.

Scotland Yard will deploy nearly 2,000 officers across central London in a major policing operation over the weekend, with an exclusion zone for protesters imposed around the Cenotaph to prevent splinter groups congregating around national remembrance events.

The coach taking people from Dorset filled up ‘in just three days’.

Among those going is Giovanna Lewis, a Portland town councillor.

She gave her thoughts on why they are marching on Armistice Day, despite the controversy surrounding it.

She said: “To me it feels right. We are remembering people dying in war and the two are linked.

“My father and uncle fought in the war and I know they would be marching for a ceasefire as they knew how horrendous was is.

“It is all about peace and to stop the slaughter.”

She added of the Home Secretary: ”She has an agenda - she is frightening and divisive."

Rob Ferguson is a member of the Dorset Palestine Solidarity Campaign and one of the head stewards for the London demonstrations, as well as being on the national steering committee of the Stop the War Coalition.

He said: “Huge demonstrations of support for the people of Gaza have been held worldwide.

“Here too in Dorset we are calling for ceasefire now and for an end to the savage collective punishment imposed upon the people of Gaza.

“We wish to honour the lives lost as well as to offer hope for the survivors.”

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign is a community of people working together for peace, equality, and justice and against racism, occupation, and colonisation.

A vigil is being held in Weymouth on Monday, November 13 that will focus on the plight of Palestine’s children.

It is being held at the Jubilee Clock from 7pm-8pm.