Anti-lockdown protestors and vaccine conspiracists shouted ‘take your masks off’ at shoppers in central London today.

Today saw about 10,000 people marching through Oxford Street for the Unite for Freedom demonstrations, many of whom weren’t wearing masks or socially distancing.

Marching in the capital was supposed to be a part of the Kill the Bill movement against a new law giving police more powers to restrict peaceful protests. But the gathering was been taken over by anti-maskers, Sky News reports. 

As law-abiding shoppers enjoyed their new freedoms in the sunshine, they were yelled at to take their masks off. 

There were several different groups protesting about different specifics but in general they had come together to ‘rail against what they say is a continuing effort by the government and authorities to curtail those freedoms’.

Crowds have been seen holding banners against lockdowns, vaccinations and vaccine passports. 

Piers Corbyn, London mayoral candidate and brother of former-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted at the demonstration. 

One poster for the event read: ‘Bring your instruments, bring your rhythm, bring pots and pans, bring your voice, bring your heart. The message: Medical Freedom. No health passports.’

A banner said: ‘Freedom is not a privilege it’s a right’ while another read: ‘We’re the ones you failed to fool!’. 

In preparation for the large crowds this weekend, the Metropolitan police released a statement saying: ‘The MPS strongly advises people not to attend any large gathering, for the protection of yourselves and others. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic.’ 

‘Please be advised that you may also be at risk of committing a criminal offence. Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Steps) (England) Regulations 2021 no person may participate in a gathering of more than 6 people outdoors, unless certain exemptions apply.’

In a later statement, the force said: ‘Thank you to everyone who was safe during today’s demonstration in central London.

‘Two men were arrested for public order offences and are currently in custody. Our policing operation will continue into the evening in and around London.’

Protesters later moved to Hyde Park until the event wound down at around 6.30pm.

Lockdown measures were eased significantly in England on April 12 when pubs and restaurants were allowed to serve customers in outdoor seating areas.

The next set of rules will lift on May 17, when indoor hospitality and overnight stays round other people’s houses will be back on the cards.

If the country continues in line with Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, then England should be restriction free by June 21. 

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