At least 15,000 people cram Trafalgar Square in rally against lockdown

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

  • Attendees of the ‘We Do Not Consent’ rally gathered in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, London, earlier today
  • Crowds have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated
  • Virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, attending

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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 the 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. 

The protest comes as the second wave of coronavirus sweeps across the UK: 

  • Scientists advising the Government on coronavirus are considering a plan to ask everyone over the age of 45 to shield.
  • Britain has been warned to expect 100 coronavirus deaths a day within the next three to four weeks.
  • Almost 18million Britons will be living under tighter coronavirus restrictions, after the UK announced a record 6,874 new cases in the last 24 hours.

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

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 

Virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted among the crowds

Virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted among the crowds 

The demonstrators, who have been shouting ‘we will win’, waved flags and placards carrying various slogans.

It is thought that earlier in the day police searched a man and confiscated a makeshift riot shield that he was carrying. 

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 crowds have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated at the event

The crowds have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated at the event 

David Icke is also at the 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square in London, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions

David Icke is also at the ‘We Do Not Consent’ rally at Trafalgar Square in London, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions

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 people gathered in Trafalgar Square with placards as they protested against the coronavirus lockdown

Thousands of people 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.’ 

It is thought that there are 15,000 protestors gathered at the event today.

Trafalgar Square can hold 30,000 people at full capacity.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk