Thousands of demonstrators filled central London streets on Wednesday afternoon to protest against Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK. The Metropolitan Police reported up to 5,000 people gathered at a rally in Parliament Square as representatives from around 50 campaign groups joined the demonstration.
Heavy police presence lined the route from Regent Street to Parliament Square during the peaceful march. The Stop Trump Coalition organised the demonstration, which featured speeches from prominent political figures opposing the US president's visit.
Rally speakers condemn visit
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Green party leader Zack Polanski addressed the crowd, speaking out against Trump's state visit. Polanski told the PA news agency the pomp and ceremony surrounding the US president's visit was "absolutely outrageous".
He said: "Of course, we should have a relationship with the American president who's democratically elected, but to give him a state visit, millions of pounds spent on security, a red carpet, the pomp and ceremony of everything that's happening - that's absolutely outrageous. We had racist marches on our streets this Saturday. And, actually, that's a moment that Keir Starmer should be in front and centre outside Downing Street, essentially bringing the country together. What we're seeing is this rolling out the red carpet for a man who absolutely does not represent British values."
Windsor incidents and arrests
The London protest followed a smaller demonstration in Windsor on Tuesday night. While Trump and his wife Melania received military honours within Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Thames Valley Police arrested two people over public order incidents linked to the visit.
Corbyn praised activists who had projected an image of Trump and convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle. Thames Valley Police said on Tuesday evening it had arrested four people in connection with that projection incident.
Trump's visit continues on Thursday when he and his wife are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Labour) and Lady Victoria at Chequers after spending the night at Windsor Castle.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
