Thousands of protesters are set to flood the streets of central London this Bank Holiday Monday in a powerful show of solidarity with the people of Australia.
The 'March for Australia' demonstration, organised by the Freedom Alliance, will see campaigners gather at Australia House on The Strand before marching towards Parliament Square. The event aims to shine a global spotlight on what organisers are calling 'tyrannical' and 'disproportionate' Covid-19 restrictions imposed on Australian citizens.
A Stand Against 'The World's Most Severe Lockdown'
Protesters will voice their outrage at the extreme measures enforced in parts of Australia, particularly in Melbourne, which is currently enduring its sixth lockdown. Victorians are living under a curfew from 9pm to 5am and can only travel within a 5km radius of their homes.
Andrew Bridgen, the Tory MP for North West Leicestershire, is scheduled to address the crowd. He has been a vocal critic of the Australian government's approach, previously stating in the House of Commons that the situation "should be a warning to us all."
Why Protest in London?
The choice of London for this international protest is highly symbolic. The march will commence at Australia's High Commission in the UK, sending a direct message to the Australian government from its diplomatic outpost. The procession towards the heart of British democracy in Parliament Square underscores the protest's core themes of freedom and civil liberties.
Organisers from the Freedom Alliance have stated that the event is intended to "stand with the people of Australia and highlight the loss of freedoms and medical choice."
What to Expect on The Day
The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 1pm on Tuesday, August 31st. Given the organisers' track record and the potent messaging behind the march, a significant turnout is anticipated. The Metropolitan Police will likely have a visible presence to manage the event and ensure it proceeds peacefully.
This protest follows a similar pattern of demonstrations in London throughout the pandemic, where groups have gathered to oppose lockdowns, vaccine passports, and other coronavirus regulations.
