Lockdown protesters rally ahead of easing

HUNDREDS of lockdown protesters marched through Manchester against Covid-19 restrictions yesterday.

The demonstrators, mostly unmasked, filed through the Arndale centre holding banners that read “free hugs” and “live the life you love”.

Greater Manchester Police said nobody was arrested during the protest, which comes two days ahead of the next national easing. Rules are relaxing in England, Wales and most of Scotland tomorrow, with pubs and restaurants able to serve customers indoors, and social distancing guidelines relaxed.

From June 21, all legal limits on social contact are due to be removed and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen.

However, the Indian variant could throw Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap off course. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has warned the live events industry that the UK is entering a “period of heightened vigilance”.

Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “This is fresh in terms of impact. We’re still waiting to hear about large scale cancellations because of the Indian variant.

“There are no major cancellations but I believe the next couple of weeks will be quite crucial. Many festivals have spent a considerable amount of money getting set up. The Indian variant was bubbling over the last couple of weeks. There are huge concerns from the events and festival sector.”