UNITED AROUND THE
BOXING world champion Anthony Joshua joined thousands of anti-racism protesters across the UK yesterday following the death of George Floyd at the hands of US police.
Huge crowds packed into Parliament Square as rallies were held in London, Manchester, Belfast, Newcastle, Leicester, Sheffield and Ipswich in solidarity with protests in the US.
World heavyweight champ Anthony, 30, hobbled on crutches in Watford, north London, wearing a black jumper featuring the words, “Black Lives Matter”. More demonstrations are planned today.
George Floyd, 46, died after white officer Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground and knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes during an arrest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25.
The protests follow a video of unarmed African American George stating that he could not breathe as the officer knelt on him. His death has caused international outrage.
Chauvin has since been sacked and charged with second degree murder, while other officers present have also been fired and charged.
Demonstrations in central London had been largely peaceful. But violence later erupted outside Downing Street yesterday evening as some protesters clashed with lines of riot police.
Officers on horses charged as a minority hurled missiles and smoke flares at police and one rider was hit and knocked off as a horse bolted.
As police tried to force back the protesters a stand-off developed as officers regained control. Home Secretary Priti
Patel yesterday made a last ditch attempt to stop protesters going to the rallies in a TV broadcast. She said: “Please don’t. We must put public health first.
“I completely understand people’s desire to express views and have that right to protest but we are in a health pandemic.
“I think it’s important for everybody to remember right now we’re trying to protect and save lives.”
It came after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset. But we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a threat.”
The protests coincide with new statistics showing Covid-19 transmission levels are rising in parts of England.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has sparked fury over his response to two weeks of protests across America.
He was condemned for making the “revolting” claim that George Floyd was “looking down from heaven” and praising the US economy. Despite the response, polls still predict he will win a second term as president.
The Democracy Institute found Trump is still one point ahead of his Democrat rival, former vice president Joe Biden.
Mr Trump leads the race for the elec