Black Lives Matter London protest: Where is the George Floyd demonstration today?
THOUSANDS of Black Lives Matter supporters have descended on the centre of London today to take part in the global fight against racism.
People joining the protests at Hyde Park are demonstrating against the killing of George Floyd in the US but have been urged to wear masks and stick to social distancing rules.
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What time is the Black Lives Matter protest in London today?
A Black Lives Matter protest started in London’s Hyde Park today, June 3, at 1pm.
A “Stand Up To Racism” doorstep protest over George Floyd’s death is being held from 6pm tonight.
An anti-racism campaign group is urging Brits to “take the knee” on their own doorsteps for a socially distanced protest in solidarity with fellow protesters in the US.
Stand Up to Racism (SUTR) has organised the protest as part of a day of action against discrimination in response to Floyd’s death in police custody in Minneapolis.
The 46-year-old African American died on May 25 after cop, David Chauvin, held him down by pressing a knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes, provoking riots in many US cities and demonstrations across the world.
Video appears to show multiple cops pinning Floyd down as he begged for air during his arrest.
SUTR said the campaign was inspired by the kneeling protest staged by American football star Colin Kaepernick in 2016 that has become synonymous with the Black Lives Matter movement.
Weyman Bennett of SUTR said:“Take the knee at 6pm because there is a boot on the neck of millions of people in the BAME community.
“Part of the cure for the virus of racism is to embrace anti-racism and anti-fascism.”
Will protesters have to wear face masks?
Those attending today’s Hyde Park demo have been urged to don protective face masks and gloves.
They’re also being told to stick to social distancing rules, in line with government guidance.
Large gatherings are still banned under tweaked lockdown rules.
From June 1 in England, you can meet groups of up to six people from different households at a time – outside.
You can spend time in gardens, parks and other private outdoor spaces such as yards or roof terraces.
But, social distancing rules stipulate staying two metres (six feet) apart.
On June 2, concerned Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon asked protesters to find an alternative to physical demonstrations.
: “Right now, it is the case, unfortunately and regrettably, that large gatherings of people could pose a risk to health and indeed to life.
“We need to find ways of allowing people to make their voices heard and to make the points that many of us want to be made and to be heard right now, but to do so in a way that is safe and is not putting people protesting or wider communities at risk.”
The Met Police said its approach was to engage with protesters and encourage them to follow social distancing rules.
When else have there been Black Lives Matter protests in London?
Thousands of protesters ignored social distancing measures to gather in Trafalgar Square for a “Kneel for Floyd” protest on May 31.
As a result, a number of arrests were made on the day.
The Met Police said: “The arrests vary in offences from possession of an offensive weapon to assault on police, obstructing a public carriageway to breaches of Covid legislation.”
Activists gathered in the capital holding placards reading “racism has no place” and “no justice, no peace” on Sunday, May 31.
Hundreds also marched through Peckham and Brixton in South London on Monday, June 1.
Cops scuffled with Black Lives Matter protesters as they walked from Brixton to Marble Arch holding aloft signs reading “Stop murdering us” and “Your silence kills”.
Several people were bundled into the back of police vans.