Thousands Of Anti-Lockdown Protesters Gather To Claim Coronavirus Is A Hoax

Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters have gathered in London today (29 August) claiming that coronavirus is a hoax.

The march, which has been organised under the banner 'Unite For Freedom', is demanding an end to lockdown in the UK, despite the government confirming today that the UK recorded 1,108 new confirmed cases of the virus over the previous 24 hours.

Pictures taken from the demonstration at Trafalgar Square show huge crowds of people, with many holding up placards and banners bearing slogans such as 'HOAX' and 'NO MORE LIES NO MORE MASKS NO MORE LOCKDOWN'.

The Facebook group advertising the demo states that a 'second lockdown would be devastating' and demands that the government should not extend its 'emergency Covid-19 powers'.

Footage taken from the protest has also been shared online showing speakers, including famed conspiracy theorist David Icke, slamming the government for 'lying' to the country over the danger posed by the virus.

In a clip posted on Twitter, Icke can be heard addressing the crowd, saying: "What a joy it is to look out upon an island of sanity in a world of madness!"

Fellow protester Sonia Poulton also posted a video to social media explaining the reason why she was there today.

She said: "People are coming today to make their voices heard against mandatory vaccinations, mandatory masks, mandatory anything really. No more lockdowns, no more second wave business."

This isn't the first time anti-lockdown protesters have met in the capital to make their feelings heard over the government's handling of the pandemic.

Back in May, a crowd of people gathered outside New Scotland Yard to protest the measures the government has imposed to help slow the spread of the virus.

PA

A number of people held signs bearing phrases such as 'no more lockdown', 'this is not the new normal' and 'my body, my choice'. Others carried signs protesting 5G technology and vaccines.

Those involved also partook in a big group hug, which probably isn't the smartest move during a pandemic.

According to The Evening Standard there were around 20 people, including some kids.

Police arrived and told the protesters to go home - and one man, who refused, was arrested.

In a statement released at the time, the Met Police said: "A small number of protesters gathered near New Scotland Yard in Westminster earlier today.

"Officers engaged with the protesters, encouraged them to go home and the group subsequently dispersed. One man arrested."

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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