Actress Maxine Peake joins Palestine march as she echoes calls for a ceasefire in Gaza

Actress Maxine Peake has called for a ceasefire at the pro Palestine march in London today.

In comments made exclusively to Express.co.uk the actress, known for her known for her roles as Twinkle in dinnerladies and Veronica Ball in Shameless, said her heart is “broken” over the Israel – Hamas war.

She said: “I’m here today because I’m marching for peace and um, yeah we need a ceasefire now.

“My heart is broken. Absolutely shattered with what’s happened and I’m here to help save humanity.”

Maxine was asked if Labour leader Keir Starmer should be calling for a ceasefire – and she said that everyone should be.

But when challenged on her stance given Hamas’ refusal to abide by any ceasefire, Maxine said she was not a “strategist.”

She added: “Look I’m not a strategist. I just think we have to – a ceasefire means both sides. That’s what a ceasefire means. Both sides have to restrain and we have to save lives.”

The pro-Palestine march has attracted huge controversy as it’s been held on Armistice Day to remember those who have died in battle.

Asked if she thought the timing of the march was disrespectful she said: “Not at all because we are here for the same thing. We’re here for peace.

“We’re here to end wars – you know. No more wars. No more killing. Yeah so no – not at all.

“Nobody I know has come on this march to disrespect anybody. Just to respect humanity.”

Hundreds of thousands of people are exprected to arrive in a charged capital for what may be one of the largest demonstrations in British history.

And violence has broke out as a group of protesters – in direct opposition of the pro-Palestine march planned for today – forced their way through police lines.

Pictures and videos on X, formerly Twitter, show groups of people, wearing poppies and draped in Union Flags forcing their way through police on Whitehall and chanting “You let your country down” at officers.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak asked for “unity” as tensions threaten to boil over between those marking Remembrance Day and those protesting in support of Palestine.

In a statement Number 10 said: “This act of remembrance is fundamental to who we are as a country and I want to reassure those wishing to pay their respects, attend services and travel that they can and should do so”.

“It is because of those who fought for this country and for the freedom we cherish that those who wish to protest can do so, but they must do so respectfully and peacefully. Remembrance weekend is sacred for us all and should be a moment of unity, of our shared British values and of solemn reflection.”