London protests in solidarity with Black Lives Matter: Upcoming dates and routes
Since the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, protests decrying systematic racism have spread across the US and made their way to London.
The protests, in honour of Black Lives Matter, began in the UK in early June - and thousands have already marched for systematic change.
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man from Minnesota, died after an incident in which a police officer was caught on camera kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes. He was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill.
These three words have now been used in protest graffiti and banners wielded by #BlackLivesMatter demonstrators - however, BLM London has advised protestors to avoid this weekend's march.
Black Lives Matter protest - London #BLMLDN pic.twitter.com/VLWKgVU7GH
— Derek (Del) Bremner (@Del_Photos)
When and where are the London protests?
Protests took place across London and other UK cities last weekend, and there were more planned for this Saturday, 13 June in Central London - however, London Black Lives Matter has advised protestors to stay at home due to the threat of violence.
A post shared by LDNBLM (TNA) (@ldnblm) on Jun 11, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also tweeted advising protestors not to attend the march on Saturday due to the threat of counter-protests and the risk of spreading COVID-19. He wrote: "To anyone planning to join #BlackLivesMatter protests over the coming days: for you and your families safety, please stay at home and find a safe way to make your voice heard.
"To the extreme far-right groups hijacking this crucial cause: Londoners have no time for your hatred."
To anyone planning to join #BlackLivesMatter protests over the coming days: for you and your families safety, please stay at home and find a safe way to make your voice heard.
To the extreme far-right groups hijacking this crucial cause: Londoners have no time for your hatred. pic.twitter.com/JXs3iwNpUc— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan)
However, a protest will be held today, Friday June 12, at 4pm in Trafalgar Square.
Local protests will also continue to go ahead over the weekend. For a full list, check out the 'protest posters' highlight on the LDNBLM Instagram page.
It's important to remember that lockdown restrictions - including a ban on large gatherings - remain in place across the UK.
Protest organisers have asked participants to observe social-distancing, but police have arrested protesters so far for various offences, including breaching lockdown.
Live Black Lives Matter Protest, more attests by the police at Westminster London
#BlackLivesMatter #BLMLDN #BLM pic.twitter.com/LAFF1HP9df— Paul Brown🇬🇧 Cleveland Browns🏈 / Food🌶 Vlogger (@PaulBrown_UK)
For those wanting to show support, there are various ways to donate. Mr Floyd's siblings are raising money for his funeral costs and to support his daughter here. Donations can also be made directly to Black Lives Matter here.
Protests have also convened in Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle, Norwich, Leicester, Oxford and other UK cities.
You can find the relevant information here .
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