George Floyd London protests: Thousands gather in Hyde Park
Thousands of people descended on Hyde Park this afternoon to take part in protests organised by Black Lives Matter London in response to the killing of George Floyd.
The peaceful protest began at 1pm, with crowds chanting “no justice, no peace” and waving signs in solidarity with demonstrators in the US.
Jessie, 22, told the Evening Standard: “We need action now. The problem of racism is being swept under the carpet.”
Another protester told Sky News that events in the US were “heartbreaking to watch”, adding she wanted people to stand up for family, friends and colleagues.
It comes after UK police forces said they were “appalled” at the death of George Floyd and vowed to tackle racism.
In a joint statement the leader of three national police bodies said: “We stand alongside all those across the globe who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life. Justice and accountability should follow.
“We will tackle bias, racism or discrimination wherever we find it.
“Policing is complex and challenging and sometimes we fall short. When we do, we are not afraid to shine a light on injustices or to be held to account.”
The statement was signed by the heads of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing and the Police Superintendents’ Association.
They said they would uphold and facilitate the right to lawful protest, but warned coronavirus lockdown rules still barred gatherings of more than six people.
“So for whatever reason people want to come together, we ask that people continue to work with officers at this challenging time.”
The demonstration mirrors those happening in the US and around the world, after a Minneapolis police officer Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, last week.
The death of Floyd sparked demonstrations with widespread rioting and looting in many American cities.
Many videos have also emerged of police brutality against peaceful protesters and journalists, causing outrage across the globe.
Yesterday, Donald Trump threatened to call in the armed forces if state governors did not get a grip on the violence.
Organisers have also encouraged people across the UK to “take a knee” at their doorsteps at 6pm.
Taking a knee has become a symbol of the protest and is a reference to former NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem at games as a protest against racism in the US.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, one of the London protest organisers said: “We want as many Londoners to join as possible.
“We hope people will engage in action in any way that they can, whether it be a protest or whether it be supporting an existing campaign or otherwise.
“Since 1990 almost one person a week has died at the hands of the police or prison system in Britain, and we need accountability and reform here as well.
“This crisis has to stop if we don’t want to go in the same direction as the United States.”
Today’s demonstration comes after thousands of people broke lockdown rules on Sunday to get involved in a Black Lives Matter protest at Trafalgar Square.