Scuffles break out at anti-lockdown protest in Parliament Square as protestors opposed to vaccine passports and Plan B rules clash with police while ministers consider more restrictions
- Hundreds of anti-vaccine demonstrators congregated in Westminster today
- A group called Together Declaration claimed responsibility for today’s protest
- Some of the demonstrators were involved in scuffles with police officers
A large group of people opposed to Covid-19 restrictions has gathered in Westminster to demonstrate against Boris Johnson‘s Plan B announcement.
Video footage of the incident shows antagonistic protesters remonstrating with police.
As well as Plan B, the demonstrators are opposed to the possible introduction of vaccine passports and the future imposition of a more restrictive Plan C.
Anti vaccine protesters congregated in London’s Parliament Square, including this man who appears to be wearing a police hat
Demonstrators, most of whom were not wearing face masks, gathered to object to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions
Police were involved in scuffles as some of the demonstrators tried to push through police lines
Yesterday, almost 100,000 people were confirmed in a laboratory to have contracted Covid-19. In London, more than 60 per cent of those testing positive were identified as having the Omicron Variant.
The demonstration was organised by the Together Declaration who said: ‘We represent more than 200 organisations, business groups, campaigners and professionals who have come together because we are gravely concerned about where the introduction of vaccine passports could lead.
In the UK, we enjoy many hard-won liberties and rights, all fought for and defended by our ancestors. These rights are not only fundamental to our understanding of democracy, they are rights we believe all humans should have.’
As well as vaccine passports, the group are opposed to digital ID cards.
The group said: ‘Being ordered to produce medical certification at pubs, clubs, theatres, on public transport, at schools, universities, or anywhere else, is unwarranted and risks deepening the inequalities already present within our society.’
While demonstrators gathered around Westminster, Oxford Street was unusually quiet on the last Saturday before Christmas week.
Concerns over the soaring rates of Covid-19 driven by the spread of Omicron variant are keeping many shoppers away from central London on what is usually the busiest weekend of pre-Christmas trading.
While online sales are booming and retail parks that can be reached by car have been busy, city centres have seen a marked drop in footfall, according to trade groups including the British Retail Consortium.
Its chief executive Helen Dickinson said: ‘The rise of the Omicron variant, combined with the Government’s work-from-home advice, has resulted in fewer people visiting shops and high streets, particularly in large city centres.
‘There has already been a gargantuan effort to ensure that essential food and gifts are ready for the festive season, despite ongoing challenges in the supply chain.
‘We are confident it can be a great Christmas for consumers, and retailers are pulling out the stops to keep staff and customers as safe as possible during these difficult times.’
Outlets in London’s West End are unlikely to see a last-minute spending rush this weekend, according to the New West End Company, which represents retailers, restaurants and businesses in the area.
On Thursday, the most recent data available, customer traffic around Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street dipped by seven percentage points from the previous week, and was 32 percentage points below the same day in 2019.
The Metropolitan Police told MailOnline they will not be providing a ‘running commentary’ on today’s demonstration.
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