Eyewitness: three London protests attended by the impeccably behaved

Chris Hobbs attends protests with no arrests, no anti-police chanting or behaviour and a spirit of co-operation.

As the song lyrics, ‘I’ve got a brand- new combine harvester,’ rang out across the Embankment, it brought grins to both the protesting farmers and escorting officers and perhaps summed up the mood of the day.

The best efforts of the Daily Mail and GB News to create acrimony between law enforcement and those protesting via headlines stating that police were preparing to arrest any farmer bringing his tractor into central London, failed to dampen the spirit of cooperation. In fact, as statements from the organisers had made clear; the protest conditions for the march and rally on Tuesday were the result of amicable discussions between the two

The march, headed by a giant combine harvester valued at £300,000 together with audio speakers which broadcast a series of appropriate songs including Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Little Lies’ and Tom Petty’s, I Won’t Back Down,’ took a circular route from Whitehall past Trafalgar Square and down Northumberland Avenue towards the Embankment. After travelling along the Embankment, via New Scotland Yard, the march turned right past Parliament before another right turn took them back up Whitehall and a rally. Interestingly, there were no barriers or even police presence outside Scotland Yard.

The speeches were short and to the point. One speaker made a point of thanking the police for their help and cooperation in helping to stage the rally and this was greeted with spontaneous, warm applause and cheers.

Numbers were down on the previous marches, perhaps illustrating the time- consuming nature of farming rather than waning interest. In the wake of attempts by the above- mentioned media outlets to create animosity between the police and the farmers, there were a significant number of social media posts from those on the right of the political spectrum suggesting that the farmers should disrupt London’s traffic using their tractors and other farm vehicles.

More Ukraine protests

On most Sundays since the invasion of Ukraine, a gathering has taken place on Whitehall of those who support the Ukrainian cause. Numbers have decreased over time but events surrounding the election of Trump have resulted in a resurgence of activity. Last Sunday saw a well-attended rally in Whitehall with speeches and songs. As is usual with Ukrainian rallies and protests, the only issue Met officers faced was to ensure that the traffic continued to flow.

One aspect of the rally worth a mention were the chants of: ‘Thank you Britain.’

Another Ukraine protest took place on Tuesday evening at the US Embassy. This, again, passed off without incident although there were reportedly calls for Trump’s proposed UK state visit to be cancelled.

Public order commanders in the Met, will, however, be aware of greater challenges ahead during March and detailed planning is already in hand for March the 15th which see’s two potentially contentious protests plus an ‘invasion’ of thousands of Geordie fans who will descend on London prior to the Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final the following day.

Chris Hobbs is a former Special Branch officer who follows public order events as an observer for Police Oracle.