Anti-lockdows, masks and mandatory vaccination protestors joined with anarchist groups and set fire to an effigy of Boris Johnson during London's annual Million Mask March this evening. Hundreds of people, many wearing Guy Fawkes masks, gathered in central the city centre for the anti-government demonstration.
As a large group of protestors burned an effigy of the Prime Minister in Trafalgar Square, police moved in on people at nearby streets as fireworks were aimed at them. There were several small clashes as protesters gathered in a handful of key locations, including Oxford Circus.
The Million Mask March has been held every year since 2012, and sees protesters rally against government corruption and wealth inequality.
But
as of last year, the event also became a protest against Covid-19
restrictions, with 200 people arrested at last year’s demonstration.Official figures for arrests at this year's event have not yet been released but with public anger at this supposedly conservative government's authoritarian handling of the COVID pandemic running so high last year's figures could easily be exceeded. Not that such a major news story is likely to get a mention in mainstream news either on TV or in print.
Protesters marched through Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, and Oxford Street on Friday, 5 November marking the annual Million Mask March, which draws big demonstrations each year on November 5 against government overreach, income inequality, and, more recently, Covid-19 restrictions. Many demonstrators sported Guy Fawkes masks to honour the fictionalised anti-government character depicted in Alan Moore’s ‘V for Vendetta’ graphic novel, on the commemoration day for the real Guy Fawkes who in 1605, along with fellow conspirators tried to blow up the English Parliament assembly, which King James 1 was attending at the time.
“Boris lied, people died,” protesters chanted as they made their way through the streets. At one point, a group of demonstrators burned an effigy of Johnson in protest of the country’s Covid restrictions.
Police eventually moved in on the crowd and clashed with some protesters after fireworks were set off, some reportedly close to officers and other individuals.
Metropolitan Police said in a statement that its officers were forced to “engage” after “a crowd in Parliament Square have been dangerously lighting fireworks and rockets.” Police said they moved into the crowd to “remove any fireworks and prevent people coming to harm.”
The force had earlier announced they were preparing for the demonstrations with a “significant policing plan.” Officers were in London in riot gear, ready for crowds.
Protesters marched through Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, and Oxford Street on Friday, marking the annual Million Mask March, which draws big demonstrations each year on November 5 against government overreach, income inequality, and, more recently, Covid-19 restrictions.
Many demonstrators sported Guy Fawkes masks to honour the fictionalised anti-government character depicted in Alan Moore’s ‘V for Vendetta’ graphic novel, on the commemoration day for the real Fawkes.
“Boris lied, people died,” protesters chanted as they made their way through the streets. At one point, a group of demonstrators burned an effigy of Johnson in protest of the country’s Covid restrictions.
Police eventually moved in on the crowd and clashed with some protesters after fireworks were set off, some reportedly close to officers and other individuals.
Metropolitan Police said in a statement that its officers were forced to “engage” after “a crowd in Parliament Square have been dangerously lighting fireworks and rockets.” Police said they moved into the crowd to “remove any fireworks and prevent people coming to harm.”
The force had earlier announced they were preparing for the demonstrations with a “significant policing plan.” Officers were in London in riot gear, ready for crowds.ell you
A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘A crowd in Parliament Square have been dangerously lighting fireworks and rockets.
‘Some have struck people or exploded near to the crowd, this could cause very serious injury.
‘We have moved into the crowd to remove any fireworks and prevent people coming to harm.’
Earlier, the Met said it was planning a major operation ahead of the protest.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors said: ‘Residents and visitors to central London today can expect to see a higher number of police officers on duty throughout the course of the day. Officers are there to keep people safe and to respond quickly to any potential disorder of violence.
‘Groups of course have the right to protest, but I am particularly concerned that some groups are specifically intending to travel into London to deliberately cause violence and disorder including targeting police officers.
‘This will not be tolerated and our policing plan has been developed with this potential risk in mind.
‘Our patrols will be highly visible and we will be working closely throughout the operation with the City of London Police and the British Transport Police.’
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Metropolitan Police said in a statement that its officers were forced to “engage” after “a crowd in Parliament Square have been dangerously lighting fireworks and rockets.” Police said they moved into the crowd to “remove any fireworks and prevent people coming to harm.”
Also on rt.com Fawkes & Robin Hood didn’t wear masks; ‘hero’ anonymity is US shtick going back to KKK – ‘V for Vendetta’ author Alan Moore to RTThe force had earlier announced they were preparing for the demonstrations with a “significant policing plan.” Officers were in London in riot gear, ready for crowds.
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