London protest: Police warn against violence as anti-lockdown demonstrators gather in capital

After multiple arrests and injuries at last weeks rally, Met urges protestors to abide by rules

A large number of anti-lockdown protestors are gathering in London today, prompting a warning by the Metropolitan police to abide by coronavirus restrictions.

A coalition of groups has organised to protest social restrictions, six months after the Coronavirus Act 2020 was imposed by the government, giving them powers to enforce lockdown.

The umbrella movement rejects vaccines, masks and lockdowns and amongst those assembled are 5G conspiracy theorists, coronavirus sceptics and anti-vaxxers.

The “We Do Not Consent!” mass rally is protesting government implemented restrictions to combat covid and bills the slogan “Human race, get off your knees.”

Thousands of anti-lockdown protestors are currently chanting “take off the mask” while one spotted sign reads “when tyranny becomes law resistance becomes duty”.

Earlier, police reportedly searched a man and confiscated a makeshift riot shield that he was carrying.

Known member of the group Piers Corbyn, 73, brother of Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted in the crowd. Also present and speaking at the event is conspiracy theorist and former footballer David Icke, 68.

Icke’s son, singer-songwriter Gareth Icke, 38, is also due to guest speak.

A further event, planned to take place in Hyde Park on Sunday, is billed as a “people’s network and family picnic.”

The Met have prepared for a “significant policing operation” to deal with the demonstrations in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park today.

The poster bill for today's mass rally in Trafalgar Square by anti-lockdown protestors (Lizzie Dearden)

In a statement, they said violence will not be tolerated and throughout the week they have been “engaging with organisers, reminding them of their legal obligations.”

They added: “However, if people fail to comply, and continue to put themselves at risk, officers will take enforcement action.”

Protest is an exemption from the rule of six restriction but those attending the event have been told to remain socially distant.

Today’s event follows a separate rally by anti-lockdown protestors last week in London which led to more than a dozen officers being injured and 32 arrests were made.

Commander Ade Adelekan, who is leading the Met operation today, said: “Last weekend it was highly disappointing to see that a small minority of demonstrators targeted officers with violence.”

He added: “I will not tolerate a repeat of this behaviour this weekend and officers will respond quickly to any scenes of violence.”

Last week’s event saw anti-vaxxers holding banners while chanting “freedom”, “covid is a scam” and “save our rights. No mandated vaccines.”