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Hundreds of police officers are being deployed in what is feared to be the biggest anti-lockdown protest of the year in central London.
Despite the capital and parts of the southeast moving to Level 3 to combat a surge in coronavirus cases, protesters are expected to attend the meeting in Parliament Square on Saturday (December 19).
The Metropolitan Police have written an open letter urging people not to attend large gatherings during the last weekend before Christmas.
Deputy Deputy Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “When we become aware of planned events that will violate regulations, we will try to engage with the organizers or venues so they are fully aware of the restrictions that are in place to keep people safe.
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“However, if people do not listen to our advice and do not follow the rules, we will be forced to take compliance measures.
“With infection rates rising rapidly throughout the capital, we must all help prevent the spread of the virus.
“This is the last weekend before Christmas, so now is not the time for complacency. I know that Londoners know what they should and should not do and I urge everyone to act wisely and do their part to keep our city safe.
“Meeting established guidelines to keep all of us safe and sound is more important now than ever.
“This weekend we will make sure to deal with the activity of a few so as not to expose our communities to even greater risk during this pandemic.”
Some 11 people were arrested after a rally by about 200 protesters in London’s Parliament Square on Monday for alleged crimes, including breaching Covid-19 regulations, Public Order Act offenses and assaulting an emergency worker .
During the second national shutdown in late November, more than 150 people were arrested as activists marched from Hyde Park to Oxford Circus and Regent Street, clashing with police.
Follow our live blog below for real-time updates on the protest.
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