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Hundreds Gather In London To Protest Against Wearing Face Masks

Hundreds Gather In London To Protest Against Wearing Face Masks

They're not wearing masks, surprise surprise

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

Hundreds of people have gathered in Hyde Park, London, to protest against wearing face masks.

Crowds have assembled ahead of a planned march, with attendees holding signs decrying the Government's imposition of face masks.

Hundreds have gathered in Hyde Park to protest against wearing face masks.
PA

In the UK, face masks have been made compulsory on public transport in a bid to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

From 24 July, masks will also be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England. Those who fail to wear a mask will face a fine of up to £100 ($125.66).

In more than 50 countries, it has been made mandatory to wear face masks at all times when leaving the home.

The protest in Hype Park has been organised by Keep Britain Free, self-described as a 'new movement representing the millions of people who want to think for themselves and take responsibility for their own lives'.

A mission statement on the group's website reads: "This country has a proud history of fighting for freedom. Yet the Government has used lockdown to strip away our liberties.

"Every aspect of our lives is now controlled by draconian rules and regulations. We are told how many friends we can have; whose houses we can visit; where we can travel - even what to think.

"Our children cannot return to school. Businesses remain shut. For months, churches, mosques and temples were simply locked up. Collective acts of worship remain banned."

PA
PA
PA

It continues: "These measures are devastating the economy. They will ruin lives for generations. Millions of people have already been put out of work. Left to their own devices politicians will seek to control us.

"Keep Britain Free is a new movement representing the millions of people who want to think for themselves and take responsibility for their own lives.

"We are not a political party. We are a group of independent thinkers who seek to influence politicians come polling day. We stand for Freedom: of speech, choice and thought. We champion life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"A government exists to protect its citizens. We need to get back to this simple premise and judge them on this. By coordinating our efforts we can ensure that our voice is heard at the heart of government and bring about real change."

One of the organisers, Leah Butler-Smith, who was attending the protest, told Sky News: "It is just the fact that people are being told they have no choice about wearing a mask.

"Because the Government started out saying 'there is absolutely no need for a mask', and many other important scientists have reportedly said the same, it did not make any sense why they suddenly said it was going to be mandated.

"If the Government really wants to protect the public and give them more confidence then they should stop trying to use the coercion strategy or to make people scared."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, Coronavirus, Face Masks, London, Protest