Thousands join Black Lives Matter protests across UK despite Matt Hancock’s plea to avoid groups of more than - The Sun

THOUSANDS of anti-racism protesters have gathered across the UK today - despite Matt Hancock's plea to avoid groups of more than six.

Crowds met at Black Lives Matter rallies in London, Manchester, Cardiff and Watford following the death of George Floyd.

Demonstrators during a Black Lives Matter protest in Parliament Square, following the death of George FloydCredit: Reuters

Two women support the Black Lives Matter movement writing 'no justice no peace'Credit: Reuters

People held signs which read 'enough is enough' and 'say their names'Credit: Reuters

Boxer Anthony Joshua joined demonstrators in Watford despite being on crutchesCredit: Reuters

Hundreds gathered in Parliament Square this afternoonCredit: Reuters

Thousands gathered in Manchester Piccadilly Gardens todayCredit: PA:Press Association

A woman in Manchester holds two signs as she protests for Black Lives Matter in ManchesterCredit: PA:Press Association

Mr Floyd died after a white police officer held him down by kneeling on his neck in Minneapolis on May 25, sparking days of protests in the US.

Demonstrations across the UK have taken place across the UK with thousands taking to the streets.

Boxing champ Anthony Joshua was among the crowds who marched in Watford this afternoon.

Protests across the US had initially been marred by the setting of fires and smashing of windows, but peaceful demonstrations have now taken over.

'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH'

Today, peaceful demonstrators gathered outside Parliament Square in London and Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester, with activists holding placards which read, "Enough is enough," "Racism is a pandemic too" and "Black Lives Matter".

Boxer Anthony Joshua joined the rally in Watford, North London, wearing a Black Lives Matter T-Shirt - despite being on crutches.

Demonstrators are expected to meet outside the US Embassy at 2pm in the capital tomorrow, while other events are planned across the country.

An estimated 4,000 people are expected to attend a demonstration in Bristol, which will include a march through the city to Castle Park on Sunday, Avon and Somerset police said.

'CORONAVIRUS STILL A THREAT'

It comes after ministers urged people not to gather in large numbers this weekend, with police warning that mass demonstrations could be unlawful.

Last night, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was "appalled" by the death of Mr Floyd, but stressed the UK was still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remained a "real threat".

Mr Hancock told the daily Downing Street briefing on Friday he could understand why people were "deeply upset", but said people in the UK should not attend large gatherings.

He said: "Like so many I am appalled by the death of George Floyd and I understand why people are deeply upset but we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.

The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.

Matt Hancock

"The reason that it is vital that people stick to the rules this weekend is to protect themselves and their family from this horrific disease.

"So please, for the safety of your loved ones, do not attend large gatherings including demonstrations of more than six people."

His comments were echoed by Home Secretary Priti Patel, who wrote on Twitter: "Please for the safety of all of us, do not attend large gatherings - including protests - of more than six people this weekend.

"As @MattHancock said, coronavirus remains a real threat and people must protect themselves and their families from this horrific disease."

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'I CAN'T BREATHE'

George Floyd died after US cop Derek Chauvin brutally knelt on his neck for eight minutes, as Floyd begged him to stop.

In the video Mr Floyd had can heard begging “please, please, please, I can’t breathe”, which has sparked international unrest about the mistreatment of black people by police.

All four cops involved in Mr Floyd's deadly arrest have now been charged with his death - with Derek Chauvin set to face the more serious charge of second-degree murder.

Anthony Joshua is pictured in the middle of a crowd of protesters in Watford todayCredit: Reuters

Demonstrators in Manchester took to the streets to protest for Black Lives Matter

A protester holds a placard which reads 'I have a dream' outside Parliament Square in LondonCredit: AP:Associated Press

Protestors walk with signs in Manchester todayCredit: London News Pictures

A demonstrator wears a protective face masks during the Black Lives Matter protest in LondonCredit: Reuters

Thousands gathered outside Parliament Square in LondonCredit: AP:Associated Press

Protesters hold signs reading 'No more silence'Credit: Reuters

A person wearing a mask holds a Black Lives Matter placardCredit: Reuters

People kneel wearing face masks during protests in Manchester todayCredit: Reuters

Demonstrators stood outside the London landmark to get their voices heardCredit: Reuters

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George Floyd was killed while under arrest as police officer Derek Chavin knelt on his neckCredit: Facebook

2

George Floyd died after officer Derek Chauvin had his knee on his throat for eight minutesCredit: AP:Associated Press

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2020-06-06 13:46:13Z
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