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Fourteen people have been arrested in a protest against the blockade in Bristol, which went ahead despite police warnings. About 400 people gathered on the city’s College Green at noon Saturday before marching through the city center, protesting the closure measures.
The event took place in defiance of national lockdown restrictions in England, which prohibit gatherings of more than two people, and warnings from police that the event was illegal.
Many protesters carried banners calling for an end to the restrictions, with slogans such as “fear is the current control.” They also chanted “freedom.” One of the attendees was health worker Louise Hampton, who made headlines in August after she posted a video in which she seemed to suggest that the coronavirus pandemic did not exist. His employer, a major NHS provider, launched an investigation into his actions.
One of those who addressed the crowd was Piers Corbyn, 73, the older brother of former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn. Photographers showed him being led away from the protest by uniformed officers, but it was unclear if he was arrested. The meteorologist has previously attended other protests against the blockade.
Avon and Somerset police said they arrested several people who had been identified as leaders of the rally for violating coronavirus regulations. A man was also arrested after an officer was assaulted, police said.
Before the event, the police made it clear that they would take action if the event continued, giving the protesters “strong warnings that they would break the law.”
“Officers have been engaging with Stand Up Bristol, the organizers of Saturday’s event, to explain the rules and encourage them to postpone it,” police said in a statement Thursday.
“By law, anyone who organizes or facilitates a meeting of more than 30 people is subject to a fixed penalty notice of £ 10,000, while those who participate in a meeting of more than two people can be fined £ 200” .
Following the arrests on Saturday afternoon, Ch Insp Mark Runacres said police “could not legally or morally facilitate today’s event.” “While we understand that the right to freedom of expression is an important part of our democracy, protests are currently not allowed under coronavirus regulations,” he said. “We repeatedly warned the organizers of the consequences if they went ahead with their plans, both in terms of the enforcement action we would take and the risk it posed in spreading Covid-19, but they sadly chose to ignore them.”
Before the event, Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees also urged people to “find safer ways to make their voices heard.” “There are public health recommendations and government legislation regarding the closure of Covid-19 to protect individuals and communities,” he said. “While I recognize that the current lockdown is a difficult period for everyone, we must all follow these rules if we want to see an end to the restrictions.”
Merseyside Police were also called in to respond to a protest in Liverpool city center where 27 people were arrested for public order offenses.
A 32-year-old man was arrested for assaulting a police officer, while a woman was arrested on suspicion of attempting to injure and drive dangerously, the force said.
Superintendent Diane Pownall said: “The rules apply to everyone and it is unfair – and illegal – when people choose to ignore them for their own selfish and wrong reasons. This is dangerous and irresponsible behavior that could endanger the people of Liverpool who are working to ensure we can get out of lockdown safely. “
