The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I stand with the millions of people around the world who are saying loud and clear that Black Lives Matter. Londoners from all ages, races and backgrounds have been coming together to protest racial injustice and structural racism. It is clear that the majority of the protestors have been peaceful. This moment must be a catalyst for systemic, lasting change to tackle the racism and inequalities that black people still face today, in this country and elsewhere.
“However, I’m extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading Covid-19, but could lead to disorder, vandalism and violence. Extreme far-right groups who advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests, which means that the risk of disorder is high. Be in no doubt these counter-protests are there to provoke violence, and their only goal is to distract and hijack this important issue. Staying home and ignoring them is the best response this weekend.
“Any violence or criminal damage from anyone is always absolutely unacceptable and will simply not be tolerated in our city. The Metropolitan Police is working on a robust policing plan to keep Londoners safe and to prevent disorder.
“Together with our partners, we are ensuring that key statues and monuments at risk, including the Cenotaph, Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela, are covered and protected.
“Our police officers are under growing pressure and strain, and 62 have been injured – having worked under extremely difficult circumstances over the last week to safely police protests, all at a time when the coronavirus still presents a grave threat to them and all our communities.
“The protests over the past week have shown just how difficult it is to maintain social distancing in large crowds, and the risk of spreading the disease at a protest is very real. There have been confirmed new cases amongst protesters around the world – from the US to Australia – and I fear we will see the same here.
“So please, for yourselves, your family members who may be vulnerable to Covid-19, and for the wider cause, please stay at home over the next few days and find a safe way to make your voices heard.”