Protest Erupts During Trump’s UK Visit, Protesters Storm Parliament Square
- Thousands of demonstrators flooded Parliament Square in London to protest US President Donald Trump’s second state visit
- Organised by the Stop Trump Coalition, the rally united over 50 unions and charities in a march denouncing racism, climate denial, and militarism
- With placards, blimps, and impassioned speeches, protesters voiced widespread opposition to Trump’s politics and presence in the UK
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Thousands of demonstrators converged on Parliament Square in London on Wednesday to protest US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the United Kingdom.
The rally, organised by the Stop Trump Coalition, a network of over 50 unions and charities, began at Portland Place and moved through central London towards Whitehall at approximately 15:00 BST.
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The Metropolitan Police estimated that up to 5,000 people were in attendance, with more than 1,600 officers deployed to manage the event, including 500 from other forces.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot described the day as “another busy” one for police, noting that officers had been in “close contact” with organisers and had urged participants to be “considerate to the local community”.
Protesters condemn Trump’s policies and symbolism
Protesters carried placards bearing slogans such as “no to racism”, “no to Trump”, and “stop arming Israel”.
Smaller replicas of the infamous 20ft Trump Baby blimp, first seen during the 2019 protests, were also spotted floating above the crowds.
The Stop Trump Coalition, which includes climate activists, anti-racism campaigners, and pro-Palestine groups, stated their aim was to “defeat the politics of Trumpism” and promote “an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice and international cooperation”.
A spokesperson for the coalition remarked: “A government that will bow down to Trump and to racism is one that will open the door to fascism.”
Voices from the crowd: “He still stinks”
Demonstrators gathered near BBC Broadcasting House before marching to Parliament Square, where many expressed their opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric. Reverend Poppy Hughes defended her presence at the rally, saying: “Jesus preached peace and compassion and that’s why I’m here”.
Climate campaigner Auriel Dowty Glanville from Wimbledon criticised Trump’s stance on climate change, calling him a “climate denier” and describing the state visit as “appalling”. “It’s all about the trade deal,” she added.
Sarah Montgomery and Claudio Solano from North London wore white protective face masks emblazoned with “Trump stinks”, a message they said had not changed since his first visit.
“He still stinks,” Montgomery said. “Everything he stands for stinks.” Solano, originally from Brazil, condemned Trump’s support for Brazil’s former right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro, calling it “disgusting”.
Downing street and Windsor also see demonstrations
As the march reached Downing Street, demonstrators paused outside the heavily guarded gates, with officers from Wales and Northern Ireland on duty. Signs reading “Duck Off Donald” and “Feed him to the Corgis” were visible among the crowd.
At Parliament Square, singer Billy Bragg performed on stage, followed by speeches from former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
In Windsor, where Trump was meeting the Royal Family ahead of a state banquet, a smaller group of protesters gathered. Amy Tisi, who had also protested during Trump’s previous visit, told the BBC it was “important to make a stand”, questioning whether the “size and scale” of the visit was intended to boost the president’s ego.
Source: Legit.ng
