More than 60 civilians have been arrested following clashes with the police and anti-lockdown protests this weekend, with the Metropolitan Police stating that they ‘expect this number to rise’. The main group behind it, Save Our Rights UK said they were responsible for the protest from Marble Arch, London on Saturday.
The protests occurred as a result of large numbers of individuals being upset with the restrictions put in place to help fight against COVID-19. Although they were warned beforehand that protests were not acceptable due to these coronavirus regulations in England, the protestors (many not wearing face masks) decided to continue with what they were doing.
As a result of this, groups of helmeted policemen were sent to respond to the protests in locations such as Oxford Circus, Carnaby Street and Regent Street. Arrests were made for offences which including breaching coronavirus restrictions.
Following hard thought decisions, the government has announced the new three-tier-system that will come into effect after the four week lockdown across England ends on the 2nd of December, which is the reason for the protests. Due to a rise in cases of the coronavirus, 99% of England has been placed in Tiers 2 and 3, meaning that many non-essential shops will be forced to close down yet again (only in tier 3) and small businesses could collapse easily. Although the situation does seem tough, it is sure to also mean that cases of the pandemic will fall.
