At least 15,000 anti-lockdown protesters cram into Trafalgar Square – as a QUARTER of Britain’s population is put under some form of lockdown – and virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn addresses crowd
- Crowds of protestors have gathered in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, London
- Attendees have been urged by authorities to abide by coronavirus restrictions
- Protest comes a week after separate event which saw more than 12 officers hurt
At least 15,000 protesters have descended on Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park in London as part of an anti-lockdown demonstration.
Attendees of the ‘We Do Not Consent’ rally gathered earlier today after a quarter of Britain’s population was put under some form of lockdown.
The crowds have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated at today’s event.
Virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted among the crowds.
The protest comes just one week after a separate event which saw more than a dozen officers injured when a ‘small minority’ targeted police and more than 32 arrests were made.
At least 15,000 people have descended on Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park in London as part of an anti-lockdown demonstration
Attendees of the We Do Not Consent rally have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated
Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted at the We Do Not Consent rally earlier today
The Metropolitan Police said it had been engaging with organisers throughout the week to remind them of their legal obligations and explaining the events could be in breach of coronavirus regulations.
While protests are exempt from the rule of six, which is in force in England, organisers must submit a risk assessment and comply with social distancing.
Police said some organisers had done so but where this had not happened the Met will ‘increase their engagement and encourage attendees to disperse’.
They added that enforcement ‘remains a last resort but will be undertaken if required’.
The Metropolitan Police said it had been engaging with organisers throughout the week to remind them of their legal obligations and explaining the events could be in breach of coronavirus regulations
Commander Ade Adelekan, who is leading the Met operation, said while there is ‘great frustration’ at the regulations, a large midday protest could put the health of protesters and their contacts at risk.
He said: ‘I know there is great frustration to these regulations but they have been designed to keep everyone safe from what is a lethal virus.
‘By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and the health of your loved ones at risk.’
Thousands of conspiracy theorists gathered in Trafalgar Square with placards as they protested against the coronavirus lockdown
He added: ‘Last weekend it was highly disappointing to see that a small minority of demonstrators targeted officers with violence.
‘Some 15 officers were injured during this protest, with more than 32 arrests being made during the course of the day.
‘I will not tolerate a repeat of this behaviour this weekend and officers will respond quickly to any scenes of violence.’