London’s mayor has shared a video appealing to Londoners not to protest this weekend, amid concerns it could spread the coronavirus.
Over the past two weekends, people all over the world have taken to the streets to support the Black Lives Matter movement, following the death of George Floyd in the United States.
Thousands of protests took place across the capital, most notably in Hyde Park and Parliament Square.
Statues of slave traders have also been removed across the country this week, including a statue of Robert Milligan in the Docklands area.
But on Friday (June 12), Sadiq Khan expressed concern about continuing the protests amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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The mayor tweeted: “I am appealing directly to Londoners not to take to the streets to protest this weekend.
“For yourselves, for your family members, who may be vulnerable to Covid-19, and for the wider cause: stay home and find a safe way to make your voice heard.
“#BlackLivesMatter”
In his video, Khan said: “I stand with the millions of people around the world who are saying loud and clear that black lives matter.
“This moment must be a catalyst for systematic, lasting change to address the racism, inequality and discrimination that black people still face today in this country and around the world.”
The mayor said that while it is clear that the majority of protesters have been peaceful, he is “extremely concerned that further protests in central London could not only risk spreading Covid-19, but lead to disorder, vandalism and violence.”
Anti-racism and far-right groups both had protests planned in the capital this weekend.
However, BLM London said it has canceled the protest in Hyde Park on Saturday.
The Democratic Football Lads Alliance has called on supporters to travel to London to protect monuments after a number were vandalized in recent protests.
Tommy Robinson, the far-right figure whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has also expressed his support.
Khan continued: “We know that extreme right-wing extremist groups that openly advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests.
“This means that the risk of disruption is high.”
A statue of Nelson Mandela in Parliament Square has already been covered by scaffolding amid fears of damage from far-right protesters this weekend. The Cenotaph and a Winston Churchill statue have also been dressed up.
On Friday (June 12) morning, BLM London announced that it has canceled Saturday’s Hyde Park protest over fears it would be hijacked by far-right groups.
The group said a similar event will still go ahead on Friday.
“We want the protests to be a safe space for people to participate, but we don’t think that will be possible with people like them present,” a post on Instagram said.
Khan added: “Do not doubt that these counter-protests are aimed at provoking violence. Their only aim is to distract and hijack this important issue.
“That’s why staying at home and ignoring them is the best answer this weekend.
The mayor said any violence or criminal damage by anyone is always unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The Metropolitan Police is working on a “robust policing plan” to prevent disorder and keep people safe, as officers continue to be under “increasing pressure and strain”.
More than 60 police officers have been injured in the protests, “all at a time when Covid-19 remains a serious threat to them and all of our communities,” Khan said.
He continued: “These protests have shown how difficult it is to maintain social distancing in large crowds.
“And the risk of spreading the disease at protests is very real, with confirmed new cases among protesters around the world, from the US to Australia.”
“I’m afraid we may see the same thing here.”
“So please, for yourselves, for your family members who may be vulnerable to Covid-19 and for the wider cause, I urge you to stay home for the next few days and find a safe way to make your voice heard.”
See the video here
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