Demonstrators seized as police crack down
POLICE arrested 28 demonstrators after an anti- lockdown protest brought chaos outside Parliament yesterday.
Scotland Yard officers seized a group in Westminster who ignored strict new regulations and refused to wear masks.
Officers chased activists in Parliament Square following a rally called by Jeremy Corbyn’s lockdown- opponent brother Piers.
They also hauled away people demonstrating for Wikileaks founder Julian Assange – including a 92- year- old man – at Westminster City Magistrates Court.
Assange, 49, was refused bail after the latest hearing in his marathon extradition battle with the US government.
Protesters were seen pinned to the ground near statues of historic figures including Mahatma Gandhi before they were cuffed and put in police vans.
Last night, the Met Police said 28 were arrested for breaching anti- Covid regulations and other laws.
The disorder came as police chiefs across the country warned of a tougher approach to those who break safety laws during the third lockdown in England.
Officers will stop people in the street and ask them why they are away from home. Anyone who does not have a lawful reason faces being fined. Those in groups of more than two could attract “inquisitive” police.
Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor warned: “For those planning on demonstrating, you are reminded of your obligation to adhere to the Government guidelines and stay at home. If people are found to be in breach of regulations put in place to keep the public safe then they can expect to see enforcement from officers. This will not just be organisers of the gatherings but participants too.
“I will not tolerate this and that is why we have a policing plan in place to disperse crowds and if necessary, take enforcement action.”
The Met also said it would start fining all those at illegal gatherings up to £ 10,000 – not just the organiser.
The initiative was announced by Scotland Yard yesterday as Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh warned the latest lockdown will put even more pressure on hard- pressed police.
Frontline officers, often called on to work extra- long shifts, have had their ranks depleted by 1,300 being off sick or self- isolating. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “A small minority continue to ignore rules put in place to protect the NHS and save lives.” He warned that officers were “ready to act robustly” if people broke the rules and put others in danger.
Yesterday Piers Corbyn, 73, used his Facebook page to urge supporters to join the Parliament rally against the “evil, mad new lockdown”. He claimed the “scamdemic” meant cancer patients were dying needlessly as medics were busy “fighting the flu”, adding: “The rally is going to be heavy, I expect. Be prepare to take risks.”
Outside Westminster magistrates, police arrested 92- year- old Eric Levy after he joined Assange supporters who refused to disperse. The crowd shouted abuse at the officers as they escorted him away.
Yesterday Thames Valley Police apologised after an over- zealous officer handed out leaflets to shoppers, asking “why are you here?” Senior officers said the constable had been “a bit keen” in demanding g answers from residents visiting their local Tesco in Maidenhead, Berks.
Rosalind Bieber, who shared a picture of a leaflet online, said: “I was handed this leaflet as shown below and told I cannot shop at the Tesco in Tallow as I live in Maidenhead. They will be issuing fines from tomorrow, so be aware folks.”