News
People are planning anti-lockdown protests in Manchester this weekend
They’ve been described as ‘irresponsible’.
A series of anti-lockdown protests have been scheduled for this weekend in south Manchester and Trafford.
The organisers behind the events, UK Freedom Movement, believe the coronavirus lockdown is ‘illegal’ and have decided to create a series of mass gatherings across the UK this weekend, including some in Manchester.
An online poster for the event advises people to ‘bring a picnic along’, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Other gatherings are expected to take place in London, Nottingham, Swansea, Cardiff, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Southampton – as well as a number of other UK locations.
The poster for the event reads: “UK Mass Gathering Manchester. Join the UK freedom movement and be a part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.
“We say no to the coronavirus bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown.
“Bring a picnic, some music and let’s have some fun and say yes to life.”
Senior Councillor of Manchester City Council, Pat Karney, has described the protests as ‘irresponsible’, saying that they are an ‘insult’ to NHS staff.
He added: “Those people who are saying it is a government conspiracy and 5G technology conspiracy should listen to the people that have lost their loved ones.
“The death rate in Manchester is still high, we can’t come out of lockdown. The council will work with police in how to cancel these events.”
The government’s latest advice regarding lockdown restrictions is: unlimited exercise, you can meet one other person from another household in a park, you are allowed to sit in a park to sunbathe or picnic.