Met Police will ‘not tolerate’ lockdown protests in Parliament Square

The Met police have warned they will ‘take enforcement action’ on groups intending to protest lockdown restrictions today in Parliament Square.

Fresh Covid-19 restrictions, announced this week, will make it an offence for people to leave their house without a reasonable excuse – gathering for the purpose of a protest is an exemption.

The Met police have urged those planning on gathering today to stay at home or risk facing enforcement action by officers.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: “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 – by now everyone knows their part to play in stopping the spread of the virus.

“People that gather as part of this protest today risk the health of Londoners.

“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.”