Hundreds of maskless anti-lockdown protestors defy ban on demonstrations to hold protests in Liverpool and Brighton on first weekend of new restrictions
- Demonstration has been organised by Save Our Rights UK for Brighton and Hove
- It comes despite banning of demonstrations for duration of second lockdown
- Brighton and Hove Police said action ‘may be taken’ against protestors
- Police in centre of Liverpool as demonstrators march through city to protest
Hundreds of maskless anti-lockdown protestors are marching in Brighton and Liverpool this afternoon on the first weekend after stricter restrictions were brought back in.
The demonstration in Brighton has been organised by Save Our Rights UK for Brighton and Hove – an anti-lockdown campaign group – and is taking place on Hove seafront.
Sussex Police officers are lining the roads at the scene and said enforcement action ‘may be taken’ against protesters.
There is also a police presence outside St George’s Hall in the centre of Liverpool as demonstrators march to protest the lockdown just after the launch of mass testing across the city.
It comes despite Priti Patel banning demonstrations duration of the second lockdown which will run until December 2, in line with rules that you can only meet one other person outdoors in a public setting.
Hundreds of maskless anti-lockdown protesters are marching along Brighton seafront this afternoon on the first weekend after stricter restrictions were brought back in
In Brighton the anti-lockdown protestors – who include people of all ages as well as children – began their demonstration at the Statue of Peace next to Hove Lawns and began to march towards Brighton.
Before the group set off, the rules for the protest were laid out by a demonstrator on a megaphone who said: ‘We have been asked to walk in pairs only.
‘We’re not going to hang around, we’re going to keep marching. We’re not going to do any speeches.
‘We’re just going to walk, we’re going to make some noise and we’re going to let this Government now, we’re not taking it any more.’
The demonstration has been organised by Save Our Rights UK for Brighton and Hove and is taking place on Hove sea front
Sussex Police officers are lining the roads at the scene and said enforcement action ‘may be taken’ against protestors
The rally is one of many protests scheduled to be held today across the country, and has been organised by Save Our Rights UK
It has been organised in partnership with Event 202, another anti-lockdown group who describe themselves as ‘a propaganda opposition exercise’ on their Instagram page
The rally is one of many protests scheduled to be held today across the country, and has been organised by Save Our Rights UK.
It has been organised in partnership with Event 202, another anti-lockdown group who describe themselves as ‘a propaganda opposition exercise’ on their Instagram page.
A few protestors were also seen gathering outside Downing Street in London today and police were seen speaking to them.
On their website, Save Our Rights UK state: ‘This year, a whole raft of legislation has been brought in, in the name of Coronavirus.
The anti-lockdown protesters – which include people of all ages as well as children-began their demonstration at the Statue of Peace next to Hove Lawns and began to march towards Brighton
Protestors walk along Brighton seafront this afternoon as they take part in a demonstrationn
The crowds headed through the city in a big group, some with megaphones
A few protestors were also seen gathering outside Downing Street in London today and police were seen speaking to them
A woman stands by her ‘democracy not lockdowns’ sign in central London this afternoon
Despite the big crowds in Brighton, London seemed to have just a few people protesting
‘These sweeping powers granted have infringed upon human rights and have often been brought in with no parliamentary scrutiny.
‘The impact of the lockdown measures and legislative changes that have occurred under the guise of the Coronavirus Act 2020 have had a devastating affect on people’s lives.’
Brighton and Hove Police wrote in a statement: ‘We are aware of a protest in Brighton today.
‘We are there engaging, explaining and encouraging people to follow the regulations.
‘Where this is not effective enforcement action may be taken. We urge people to abide by the regulations to help keep themselves and others safe.’
Merseyside Police also issued a statement saying: ‘For the good health of our local communities please remember that gatherings of people are not allowed under the latest lockdown restrictions.
‘The ban on gatherings is designed to prevent the spread of the virus.’