Dozens of activists gather in Notting Hill for Million People March in BLM protest

Dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters have gathered outside Notting Hill tube station in west London for a demonstration.

The Million People March is protesting against systemic racism and is taking place in lieu of this year’s Notting Hill carnival.

Demonstrators lay down in the road outside Notting Hill tube station, blocking oncoming traffic, before heading down the road to Hyde Park.

Dozens of Black Lives Matter protesters have gathered outside Notting Hill tube station in west London for a demonstration 

Protesters outside Notting Hill tube station in west London. The Million People March is protesting against systemic racism and is taking place in lieu of this year’s Notting Hill carnival

Protesters are seen lying down outside Notting Hill tube station in west London for a demonstration 

The Million People March is protesting against systemic racism and is taking place in lieu of this year’s Notting Hill carnival

Protesters in Notting Hill in west London for an anti-racism demonstration. The carnival has been cancelled but replaced by demonstrators against systemic racism

Protesters chanted ‘whose streets, our streets’ and ‘this is what democracy looks like’ as they congregate for the anti-racism rally.

Numbers on the Million People march swelled to around 300 as demonstrators made their way down Bayswater Road.

The march stopped outside Hyde Park and broke into a rendition of Redemption Song by Bob Marley as demonstrators raised their fists.

Organisers say the movement plans to push a Race Offenders Register, to prosecute those committing race offences. 

Prior to the bank holiday weekend police said a pan-London operation was in place to keep people safe.  

The force said they were aware of a number of planned demonstrations and events taking place across London, and have been liaising with the organisers, advising them to carefully consider the Health Protection Regulations regarding gatherings. 

Contravening this legislation could result in anyone involved in the holding of a large gathering (over 30 people) being subjected to a fine up to £10,000.

Commander Bas Javid, said: ‘Our approach to policing London during this time has been to engage, explain, encourage and only then enforce, and this will continue across what we believe will be a busy long weekend. 

Protesters in Notting Hill in west London for an anti-racism demonstration. One of the placards says ‘White Silence = White Violence’

Black Lives Matter protesters sit on the road in Notting Hill during the “Million People March” through central London today

A group of protesters marching through central London today. Many of the protesters today could be seen wearing masks, but some did not, and social distancing was not always being complied with

‘We know people will want to be out celebrating the holiday, and we want them to do so safely reminding people of the restrictions which are in place to keep them safe.

‘Throughout this week, officers have been travelling in a Met engagement bus across London, working in conjunction with local authorities and other blue light services to meet with communities, reminding them of the Government health restrictions, and explaining our policing style and operation.

‘Watch the celebration of Carnival from the comfort of your own home, online. We urge people to not come into the traditional area to celebrate; there are no events. Where there are large gatherings of people, officers will be deployed to interact with those gathered.

‘Unlicensed Music Events (UMEs) are a blight on our communities and cause untold distress and fear, often attracting criminal behaviour and violence. If you have information about a UME contact us so we can respond quickly to close them down.’