Thousands of anti-Donald Trump protestors gathered in central London on Wednesday to voice their opposition to the US president’s unprecedented second state visit to the UK.
The Metropolitan Police estimated that around 5,000 people participated in the protest, which culminated in a rally outside Parliament.
While Trump was being warmly received at Windsor Castle, approximately 22miles west of London, demonstrators marched through the city to express their discontent on the first full day of his visit.
Former teacher Dave Lockett, 67, shared his frustration stating “You don’t know what playcard to carry, really, there’s so many things” to dislike about Trump. He expressed concerns about the president’s impact on global politics, saying, “If Trump’s ideas get into this society, then what we’re talking about is fascism in Britain”.
Left-wing lawmakers, including Green Party Leader Zack Polanski, spoke to the crowds in Parliament Square, where comedian Nish Kumar hosted the rally. Polanski declared, “we are gathered here united to say this is not in our name”, referring to Trump’s invitation from the ruling Labour government. He called for a rejection of the “politics of hate and division”.
Protestors initially gathered near the BBC headquarters, holding banners and signs that covered various issues, from support for Palestinians to anti-fascism. Some demonstrators carried smaller versions of the giant Trump balloon that had been flown during his state visit in 2019.
A doctor from India, held a placard reading,”End the genocide. Stop Trump” emphasising her support for the Palestinian people. The Stop Trump Coalition organised the demonstration, which included a wide range of sponsoring organisations, such as Amnesty International UK and Black Lives Matter UK.
The coalition criticised Trump for spending minimal time in London during his visit suggesting he was avoiding the protests.
The evening rally featured chants of “Say it loud, say it clear: Donald Trump is not welcomed here”, as various speakers condemned the president.
London’s Metropolitan Police deployed over 1,600 officers to ensure the protest remain orderly. A small counter demonstration appeared but failed to gain traction, and there were no reports of disorder or arrests. One lone protestor, surrounded by police, displayed a sign reading “We Love Trump”, which drew boos from the crowd.
Trump continues to be deeply unpopular in Britain, with recent polling indicating that nearly half of respondents believed inviting him for a second state visit was wrong. Only a quarter thought it would enhance UK-US relations, according to a YouGiv/Sky survey.
A long time critic on Trump and a London Mayor Sadiq Khan, noted in Guardian article that the president has exacerbated divisive, far-right politics globally. He accused Trump of “scapegoating minorities” and taking actions inconsistent with Western values, calling him straight out of the autocrat’s playbook”.
