Met Police Warn Protesters Ahead of Planned Demonstrations in London This Weekend

AHEAD of planned demonstrations in London this weekend, the Metropolitan Police have warned protestors to “stay away” or risk fines and arrests.

The Met Police say that they have been made aware of a number of planned protests in London over the coming weekend, including a planned ‘Freedom Day’ protest. The force issued a statement warning people to stay away or risk a fine or arrest.

The statement explained that current government legislation “makes gatherings in groups of more than two people unlawful unless exemptions apply”, and “gathering for the purpose of a protest is not an exception under the Covid-19 regulations.”

“The right to protest must be balanced against the rights of others and the protection of public health. In the interests of public health, the Met is telling people not to attend central London in order to gather to protest,” the Met said. The force has explained that there will be an increase in police presence and that they will be engaging with people who are not following the rules.

“By gathering in large numbers, there is a risk of spreading the virus that has claimed so many lives,” it warned.

“Those gathering will be encouraged to return home, if they do not, they face necessary and proportionate enforcement action. This could be a fixed penalty notice or arrest.”

The guidance comes after officers clashed with crowds that had gathered to remember Sarah Everard last week, causing the Met Police to receive widespread condemnation into how they policed the vigil. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed he has since requested that two watchdogs investigate how the event in south London was handled.

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