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Up to 5,000 demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square on Wednesday afternoon to protest against Donald Trump's second state visit to the UK. The Metropolitan Police reported representatives from around 50 campaign groups joined the demonstration organised by the Stop Trump Coalition.
Heavy police presence lined the route from Regent Street to Parliament Square during the peaceful march through central London. The demonstration featured speeches from prominent political figures opposing the US president's visit.
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Green party leader Zack Polanski addressed the crowd at the rally. Both speakers condemned Trump's state visit and the ceremonial treatment afforded to the US president.
Political leaders condemn visit
Polanski said the pomp and ceremony surrounding Trump's visit was "absolutely outrageous". He criticised the millions of pounds spent on security and the red carpet treatment given to the US president.
He said: "Of course, we should have a relationship with the American president who's democratically elected, but to give him a state visit, millions of pounds spent on security, a red carpet, the pomp and ceremony of everything that's happening - that's absolutely outrageous."
The Green party leader criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer's (Labour) response to recent events. He said: "We had racist marches on our streets this Saturday. And, actually, that's a moment that Keir Starmer should be in front and centre outside Downing Street, essentially bringing the country together. What we're seeing is this rolling out the red carpet for a man who absolutely does not represent British values."
Windsor incidents and arrests
The London protest followed a smaller demonstration in Windsor on Tuesday night. Thames Valley Police arrested four people in connection with activists projecting an image of Trump and convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle.
Trump and his wife Melania received military honours within Windsor Castle on Wednesday with no public-facing element. Thames Valley Police said on Wednesday afternoon it had arrested two more people over public order incidents linked to the visit.
Corbyn praised the activists responsible for the castle projection during his speech at the London rally. Trump's visit continues on Thursday when he and his wife are scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer (Labour) and Lady Victoria at Chequers after spending the night at Windsor Castle.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
