News / coronavirus

14 people arrested during Bristol anti-lockdown rally

By Martin Booth  Saturday Nov 14, 2020

Piers Corbyn was one of 14 people arrested in Bristol on Saturday as an illegal anti-lockdown demonstration took place.

Protesters gathered on College Green and marched through the city centre before returning to College Green, where the former Labour leader’s brother was arrested after making a speech.

 

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The Stand Up Bristol demonstration took place as national restrictions prohibit gatherings of more than two and after warnings from the police that the event was unlawful.

An estimated 400 people took part in the protest, with police displaying clear tactics of identifying ringleaders and arresting them, often amid angry scenes.

The majority of arrests were for breaches of the current coronavirus regulations, with one man also arrested after an officer was assaulted.

Piers Corbyn speaking to crowds on College Green – photo: Martin Booth

Piers Corbyn is arrested after speaking to crowds on College Green – photo: Martin Booth

Chief inspector Mark Runacres said: “While we understand the right to freedom of expression is an important part of our democracy, protests aren’t currently allowed under coronavirus regulations.

“And so unlike previous protests which have taken place during the pandemic, we couldn’t legally or morally facilitate today’s event.

“We warned the organisers repeatedly of the consequences should they press ahead with their plans, both in terms of the enforcement action we would take and the risk it presented in spreading Covid-19, but sadly they chose to ignore these.

“Knowing there was a possibility of the protest going ahead, a comprehensive policing plan was put in place and while officers initially looked to encourage people to leave the area it became clear enforcement action was necessary.”

Protesters walked through a police cordon as the march began – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo and video by Martin Booth

Read more: In photos: Bristol’s anti-lockdown rally

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