Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of London on Wednesday to protest US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK, gathering in Parliament Square in a show of dissent against his politics and policies.
Organised by the Stop Trump Coalition — an alliance of more than 50 unions, charities, and activist groups — the protest began at Portland Place before marching towards Whitehall at around 15:00 BST. The Metropolitan Police estimated that up to 5,000 people attended.
Many in the crowd carried placards bearing slogans such as “no to racism”, “no to Trump”, and “stop arming Israel”. Smaller versions of the giant 20-foot Trump Baby blimp — which became a symbol of protests during Trump’s first state visit in 2019 — were also seen floating above the demonstrators.
The Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,600 officers, including 500 drafted from other forces, to maintain order. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot said it would be “another busy day” for police, adding that officers had worked closely with organisers and urged participants to minimise disruption for local communities.
The diverse coalition behind the march included climate activists, anti-racism campaigners, and pro-Palestinian groups. In a statement ahead of the rally, organisers accused the government of “bowing down to Trump and to racism” and warned that doing so “opens the door to fascism.”
Although Trump was not scheduled to visit Parliament, protesters said they were determined to challenge “the politics of Trumpism” and promote what they described as “an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice and international cooperation.”
Many attendees shared their personal reasons for protesting. Reverend Poppy Hughes told the BBC she was motivated by her faith: “Jesus preached peace and compassion and that’s why I’m here.”
Zoe Gardner, one of the organisers, said Trump “represents everything that we hate” and called on the UK government to “show some backbone” and reflect public opposition to his policies.
Other protesters cited climate change as a key issue. Auriel Dowty Glanville, dressed as the Statue of Liberty with badges and props symbolising her causes, criticised Trump as a “climate denier” and said inviting him for a second state visit was “appalling” and motivated by trade interests.
Couple Sarah Montgomery and Claudio Solano wore white face masks reading “Trump stinks,” which they said were left over from the first state visit. “He still stinks. Everything he stands for stinks,” Montgomery said, while Solano criticised Trump’s support for former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, calling it “disgusting.”
As the march moved towards Downing Street, police from Wales and Northern Ireland guarded the area. Protesters displayed signs with messages such as “Duck Off Donald” and “Feed him to the Corgis.”
At Parliament Square, where the march concluded, a stage was set up for speeches and performances. Singer Billy Bragg performed, while speakers included former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Smaller demonstrations also took place in Windsor, where Trump was meeting the Royal Family ahead of the state banquet. Protester Amy Tisi, who had attended similar demonstrations during Trump’s first visit, said it was “important to make a stand” and questioned whether the scale of the state visit was meant to fuel the president’s ego.
Not all attendees were opposed to Trump. One supporter, wearing a Davy Crockett hat, called him “the greatest president,” a comment that drew boos from sections of the crowd.
Earlier in the day, a van decorated with a photo of Trump alongside the late financier Jeffrey Epstein was driven through Berkshire. Thames Valley Police said the driver left after speaking with officers and no arrests were made.
Corbyn referred to the incident in his speech, calling it “sinister” that the van had been stopped and accusing authorities of suppressing protest. “They take away the right to protest because they don’t want us to protest,” he said.
Separately, four men were arrested after images of Trump and Epstein were projected onto Windsor Castle on Tuesday as the president arrived in the UK.
Source: BBC News
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