Black Lives Matter activists hail success of London protests as they reveal plans for further action

Organisers said that UK-wide protests on Sunday will see an eight-minute, 46-second silence in tribute to George Floyd  

Black Lives Matter activists across the UK today said the scale of protests in London “proves this is something that people want”.​

Further demonstrations are planned in the capital and around the country this weekend after thousands of people gathered in Hyde Park yesterday in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

At Sunday's protests, demonstrators will kneel in silence for eight minutes and 46 seconds — the length of a video showing Mr Floyd’s fatal arrest in Minneapolis last month.

All protests, which on Sunday are set to take place outside the US Embassy in London, in St Peter’s Square in Manchester, at Bristol’s College Green, and at locations spanning Edinburgh to Coventry, are being organised by local members of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Placards at the Hyde Park protest demanded action as actor John Boyega gave an impassioned speech
Nigel Howard

Liza, 21, is an activist involved in organising the Bristol demonstration. She told the Standard: "The Hyde Park protest was really moving. Seeing John Boyega's speech really brought a tear to my eye... The fact he put his career on the line, quite literally, was inspirational.

"We have been cognisant to the fact that there is a global pandemic which means that a lot of people can't come out and show their support via the protest.

“But I think seeing how successful the protests have been in London and Manchester, and how many people came and showed up, I think really gave us the encouragement that we needed to know, 'this is something that people want'. People want to go out and protest.”

"The fact that people were coming out in droves also I think shows the point at which a lot of us are at when it comes to being exhausted with dealing with systematic racism.

"Because there is so much going on, it does feel like a global movement at the moment.”

Cities across the US have been rocked by civil unrest for nine consecutive nights since footage emerged of Mr Floyd’s death on May 25.

The 46-year-old African American was filmed pleading “I can’t breathe” for almost nine minutes as a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneels on his neck.

Chauvin, 44, has been charged with second degree murder. Three other police officers have been charged with aiding and abetting a murder.

Black Lives Matter protests in London continue - In pictures

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Peaceful demonstrations in the US have been marred by pockets of violence and looting, while scuffles broke out between police and protesters and police outside Downing Street yesterday.

Liza, who is expecting 3,000 to attend the Bristol event, said Black Lives Matter condemned violence at protests.

She said: "I'd like to stress that this is a peaceful protest. We as organisers, and it's the same across the UK, are not condoning, encouraging or inviting any kind of violence whatsoever.”

Paddle out for Unity supporting George Floyd and Black Lives Matter

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Manchester Metropolitan University student Tyrek Morris said he is expecting around 1,000 people at the march in the city on Sunday.

"We are doing it to stand in solidarity with the US,” he said. “[But] there is a lot of stuff going on in the UK that we hear about but we don't take action upon.

"I feel bad that it's taken something happening in America to spark this off."

The London protest in Hyde Park on Wednesday saw thousands protest in the rain
Getty Images

Large gatherings are currently banned under social distancing rules, and the umbrella group Black Lives Matter UK has said it is not endorsing protests "due to the life-threatening reality of the pandemic”.

Organisers of the Bristol protest said social distancing would be encouraged, and activists would be handing out masks and gloves at the event.

Mr Morris defended calling for protests mid-pandemic, adding: "There are so many times that there has been racial injustice and it will trend for all of five minutes and then everyone forgets about it.

"And I know we are in a pandemic right now. But in the face of adversity, you always stand up."

Star Wars actor John Boyega inspired thousands with a speech at yesterday's march
PA

The Metropolitan Police has said its approach is to engage with protesters and encourage them to follow social distancing rules.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We are aware of planned protests in Manchester City Centre on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June 2020.

"First and foremost, we stand alongside all those who are appalled and horrified by the way George Floyd lost his life - justice and accountability should follow. We know people want their voices heard and the right to peaceful protest is a key part of democracy, which UK police uphold.

"GMP develops proportionate policing plans for protests, working with communities and engaging with those taking part wherever possible. Our officers will monitor the situation to maintain the safety of all involved. A top priority for us will be striking the balance and ensuring any response is both proportionate and fair.”

Police forces in Bristol have been approached for comment.

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