Anti-lockdown protest plan slammed as ‘incredibly insensitive’

A PLANNED anti-lockdown protest due take place in Newport has been condemned by one of the city’s public representatives.

The protest against lockdown measures in Wales was due to take place this weekend, but has been postponed until after the firebreak ends on November 9.

Organisers of the protest posted online this week confirming that the protest had been postponed due to concerns over possible fines for breaking the current rules regarding public gatherings.

And Newport East Member of the Senedd (MS) John Griffiths has called on members of the public not to attend the protest, calling it “incredibly insensitive.”

“I would strongly discourage people in Newport to attend this march. This is a public health crisis - one which the vast majority of people in the city will have not experienced in their lifetimes,” he said.

“It is incredibly insensitive and undermines the brave and tireless work being done by our NHS staff and other essential workers to keep people safe.”

Mr Griffiths added: “This is going to be a tough winter and only last week it was reported that our health board had the highest number of hospital Covid cases in Wales.

“Because of what we know about this virus and how it spreads from person to person, it’s imperative we continue to follow the necessary measures and adhere to the most up to date rules put in place by Welsh Government, so we can keep our families, friends and communities safe in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”

A number of anti-lockdown events have either been planned or have taken place in Wales since the pandemic began.

A protest was advertised in Newport in May during the first lockdown, but ultimately did not take place.

Earlier this month, crowds of people gathered outside the Senedd to protest against masks, lockdown, vaccinations and 5G.

A Gwent Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of a planned protest in Newport on Sunday, November 1.

“As with other requests we receive in relation to protests, we are engaging with the event organisers and encouraging them to consider alternative methods available to exercise their right to protest that are permitted within the current legislation.

“We are aware that the organisers have taken the decision to postpone the protest.

“Our response to any public gathering will be fair and proportionate, but we must also consider that we can only police the regulations in place at that time which are set by government.”