Anti-Lockdown Protesters Gather In London

Protesters organised a 'mass hug' in London in defiance of the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.

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.

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 had 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.

PA

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

In a statement 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."

Gatherings in the UK have been banned since 23 March, with Boris Johnson telling Brits: "You should not be meeting friends. If your friends ask you to meet, you should say 'no'.

"You should not be meeting family members who do not live in your home.

"You should not be going shopping except for essentials like food and medicine - and you should do this as little as you can. And use food delivery services where you can."

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He went on to explain that police had new powers, meaning they could enforce the rules, adding: "If you don't follow the rules the police will have the powers to enforce them, including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

"To ensure compliance with the government's instruction to stay at home, we will immediately close all shops selling non-essential goods, including clothing and electronic stores and other premises including libraries, playgrounds and outdoor gyms, and places of worship.

"We will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with. And we'll stop all social events, including weddings, baptisms and other ceremonies, but excluding funerals."

Johnson has said the lockdown will remain in place until it is safe to remove it.

The UK has 182,260 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with a death toll of 28,131.

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19