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Extinction Rebellion protestors descended on Parliament Square on Saturday to silently protest the Government’s response to coronavirus and climate change. Protestors stood at least three metres apart at all times but were still told by police they should not be holding mass gatherings during the UK lockdown. Groups of the activists held demonstrations across the country from 12pm.

At the scene, Sky reporter Emma Birchley said: “It was very well-organised, everyone was told to come here in no more than ones or twos and either walk or cycle or stand at least three metres apart.

“Everyone appears to be standing at least three metres apart from the police telling them they shouldn’t be gathering in this way.

“Protests are against the rules during the pandemic which means that you can’t gather in numbers like this.

“But the people here felt that they had good reasons to come here and that dealing with this COVID pandemic and the aftermath of it needs to be dealt with alongside the climate emergency.

“We know that they’ve been told that they will either face a fine or face arrest.”

Extinction Rebellion’s police liaison and former Met police officer told Sky News: “The definition in gathering in the legislation is very, very vague.

“No prosecutions have succeeded so far and our issue is far too important.

“This is a turning point, we have to decide whether we’re going to go for public health or profit.”

It comes as Jeremy Corbyn’s brother, Piers, was arrested for a second time in London after appearing at an Extinction Rebellion protest.

He had been arrested just a month before when protestors gathered in Hyde Park.

The Met Police said in a statement: “Police are on scene at two locations in Westminster after a number of demonstrators gathered.

“A small number of arrests have been made at each site for breach of Covid-19 regulations and some Fixed Penalty Notices issued.

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“Officers are engaging with those present & encouraging them to go home. The majority of individuals have dispersed.”

Mr Corbyn was arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park on Saturday May 16 while claiming 5G worsens coronavirus symptoms and attacking vaccination.

The conspiracy theorist, a well known man-made climate change denier, was one of around 50 people to gather at Speakers’ Corner.

They were protesting against what they say is a crackdown on civil liberties during the pandemic.

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