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Anti-austerity protest: Demonstrators against Government cuts gather in London after the Queen's Speech

Skirmishes with police reportedly broke out as protesters ran down Whitehall

Kate Ferguson
Thursday 28 May 2015 08:23 BST
Protesters march with banners during an anti-austerity protest after the Queen's Speech was delivered to Parliament in London, Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Protesters march with banners during an anti-austerity protest after the Queen's Speech was delivered to Parliament in London, Wednesday, May 27, 2015 (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

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Angry protesters waving placards and flags have gathered to protest against the Government's austerity measures.

Around 200 people joined the protest which began in Trafalgar Square, central London, after the Queen's speech outlined the new Conservative Government's plans.

There were skirmishes with police as protesters - some wearing masks and scarves to cover their faces - ran down Whitehall.

Uniformed police linked arms to form a human barricade to try to contain the protesters while some pulled out their batons to warn off demonstrators.

Elliot Corner, 20, who studies classical music at the Royal College of Music in London, was peacefully protesting in Trafalgar Square.

He said: “We are here today because we believe that austerity is a failed economic measure and transfers wealth from the poor to the rich.

"We believe the new cuts that are planned by George Osborne are completely unfair and unwarranted."

Scotland Yard said three arrests had been made before 7pm in relation to the demonstrations.

A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of assault.

A man, whose age has not been given, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police also arrested a 45-year-old man who was wanted on suspicion of violent disorder in relation to an incident in Whitehall on May 9.

PA

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