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Activists have descended on London, Glasgow, and Leeds to protest amid the ongoing coronavirus lockdown, citing their belief the Government’s desire to control the population is the real reason for restrictions on freedom, not the deadly coronavirus which has killed more than 34,000 people in the UK so far. Express.co.uk takes a look at the protests and who’s behind them.

Why are people protesting?

Those who have gathered today believe the COVID-19 lockdown is actually a method of controlling the public, rather than emergency measures in place to protect us.

Those demonstrating claim the lockdown is unlawful and are demanding for it to be lifted.

Invites to the protests on Facebook from the UK Freedom Movement read: “Join the UK Freedom Movement and be a part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.

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“We say no to the coronavirus bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal, and no to the unlawful lockdown.

“Bring a picnic, some music and let’s have some fun and say yes to life!”

Large gatherings of people are currently prohibited under England’s coronavirus laws to limit the spread of the virus – and those in breach of lockdown rules can be fined £100.

Protesters gathered this morning in London’s Hyde Park, with several holding placards and banners including slogans such as “freedom over fear” as police, including some on horseback, sought to disperse the crowds.

One of the activists is former Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn’s brother.

Police took Piers Corbyn away in handcuffs after he joined protesters with a megaphone, proclaiming that 5G and the coronavirus pandemic were linked. There is no evidence to support this claim, however.

Mr Corbyn called the lockdown a “pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order”.

He was led away by officers after refusing to leave or give his personal details.

The London protests come as people also gathered in small groups in Glasgow, Nottingham and Southampton to demonstrate their displeasure with the lockdown.

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Around 40 people gathered in Glasgow but were quickly moved on by police.

According to Scottish newspaper the Daily Record, one protester shouted: “Listen to me, Scotland. Irn-Bru has quinine in it.”

Earlier this week police and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon had warned people not to attend because they would be putting lives at risk amid the health pandemic.

Scottish Police issued a statement which read: “Our approach will remain as one of engaging with the public to explain the importance of staying at home to protect the NHS and if necessary, as a last resort enforcement action will be taken.”

According to Leeds Live, planned protests flopped earlier today, with one reporter reporting only one group of people in the park who declined to say if they had arrived for the planned protest.

Protesters for the same cause also gathered outside Scotland Yard, headquarters of the Met Police, earlier this month.

The pattern of protests is similar to those which have been taking place stateside.

In over a dozen states from coast to coast, protesters have taken to the streets, blocking roads and honking car horns.

They believe the lockdown is a violation of their civil liberties, in particular Amendment One, which is freedom of religion, speech, petition and assembly.

The organisers behind these protests have largely been conservative, pro-Trump and pro-gun activists.

US media have described many of these demonstrations as reminiscent of Trump campaign events, with pro-Trump banners, t-shirts, and signs aplenty.

The US currently has the highest death toll in the world, with many states still imposing a ‘stay-at-home’ order.

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