Anti-lockdown protesters flood Trafalgar Square as Corbyn’s brother among thousands marching against Covid restrictions
ANTI-LOCKDOWN protesters have flooded Trafalgar Square including Jeremy Corbyn’s brother to demonstrate against the country’s coronavirus restrictions. Thousands have descended on central London carrying signs, placards and flags at the “we do not consent” rally. Demonstrators, who were not wearing a face mask or social distancing, were seen shouting: “we will win.” Piers Corbyn, the […]
ANTI-LOCKDOWN protesters have flooded Trafalgar Square including Jeremy Corbyn’s brother to demonstrate against the country’s coronavirus restrictions.
Thousands have descended on central London carrying signs, placards and flags at the “we do not consent” rally.
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Demonstrators, who were not wearing a face mask or social distancing, were seen shouting: “we will win.”
Piers Corbyn, the brother of the former Labour party leader, was seen putting his fist in the air during today’s demonstration.
Conspiracy theorist David Icke was also seen in Trafalgar Square.
Earlier, police searched a man and confiscated a makeshift riot shield that he was carrying.
The protest comes a 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.
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”.
Commander Ade Adelekan, who is leading the Met operation, previously said while there is “great frustration” at the regulations, a large 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.”
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.
Today’s protests come as a third of Brits could refuse a life-saving Covid-19 vaccine because of warped conspiracy theories peddled online, a poll has found.
But scientists say some 82 per cent of Brits will need to get immunised to stop the killer bug in its tracks.
The YouGov poll of 1,663 people found that 31 per cent either “will” refuse to get the jab, or are unsure about getting one.
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Among those who mainly get their news from social media sites the figure soared to a whopping 38 per cent.
Anti-vax conspiracy theorists have a staggering 57 million followers online across the UK and US, it’s been reported.
Outlandish lies, including claims Bill Gates created the pandemic and that vaccines cause Covid-19, have been posted on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
