{"id":6816,"date":"2021-03-19T17:48:25","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T16:48:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedailyleaks.com\/?p=6816"},"modified":"2021-03-19T17:48:25","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T16:48:25","slug":"london-stay-away-or-risk-fines-police-warn-ahead-of-planned-protests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedailyleaks.com\/london-stay-away-or-risk-fines-police-warn-ahead-of-planned-protests\/","title":{"rendered":"London: ‘Stay away’ or risk fines, police warn ahead of planned protests"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"The
The Metropolitan Police have issued a statement ahead of planned demonstrations in London this weekend. Picture: PA<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/figure>\n

The Metropolitan police have said they are aware a number of protests are being organised for this weekend in central London, including a planned \u2018Freedom Day\u2019 protest.<\/p>\n

The force has released a statement warning people to stay away or risk a fine or arrest.<\/p>\n

The statement explained that current government legislation “makes gatherings in groups of more than two people unlawful, unless exemptions apply”, and “gathering for the purpose of a protest is not an exception under the Covid-19 regulations.”<\/p>\n

“The right to protest must be balanced against the rights of others and the protection of public health. In the interests of public health, the Met is telling people not to attend central London in order to gather to protest,” the Met said.<\/p>\n

The force also explained that there will be increased officer presence in the capital, and they will be engaging with people who break the rules.<\/p>\n

“By gathering in large numbers, there is a risk of spreading the virus that has claimed so many lives,” it warned.<\/p>\n

“Those gathering will be encouraged to return home, if they do not, they face necessary and proportionate enforcement action. This could be a fixed penalty notice, or arrest.”<\/p>\n