Thousands have congregated at Portland Place in central London to protest against US President Donald Trump’s second state visit.
The march, organized by the Stop Trump Coalition—which comprises over 50 unions and charitable organizations—began its journey toward Whitehall around 3:00 PM BST.
Many demonstrators held banners emblazoned with messages such as “no to racism,” “no to Trump,” and “stop arming Israel.” Additionally, some carried smaller replicas of the 20-foot Trump Baby blimp that appeared during protests against the president’s initial state visit in 2019.
According to the Metropolitan Police, more than 1,600 officers have been deployed, including 500 from various other forces. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot remarked that the day would be “another busy one” for law enforcement, especially following the recent Unite the Kingdom protest.
Puddefoot mentioned that the police had maintained “close communication” with the protest organizers, urging participants to be “mindful of the local community” to minimize disruption.
The Stop Trump Coalition encompasses a diverse array of groups, including those focused on climate issues, anti-racism, and pro-Palestine efforts.
In anticipation of the march, a coalition spokesperson expressed: “A government that yields to Trump and embraces racism is paving the way for fascism.”
Although Trump will not be addressing Parliament, the protestors declared their intention to demonstrate against “the politics of Trumpism” and to advocate “for an alternative, democratic worldview that prioritizes peace, social justice, and international collaboration.”
Amidst the assembly—gathering near BBC Broadcasting House—participants shared their grievances with the BBC, voicing their disdain for the US president and articulating that he was not welcome there.
Reverend Poppy Hughes responded to those who argue that religious leaders should remain neutral by saying, “Jesus taught peace and empathy, and that’s why I’m present today.”
Zoe Gardner, a political analyst and one of the event organizers, remarked that Trump embodies “everything we detest.” She added, “We want our government to stand firm, take pride, and reflect the widespread disapproval of Trump’s policies here in the UK.”
Auriel Dowty Glanville, a climate activist from Wimbledon, voiced her concerns, labeling the president a “climate denier” and describing climate change as “the most significant threat we face on our planet.” She condemned the invitation for a second state visit as “appalling,” asserting it was driven by “the trade deal.”
Sarah Montgomery and Claudio Solano from North London showed up wearing white protective masks that proclaimed “Trump stinks.” They mentioned having kept these masks since Trump’s first visit. “He still stinks,” Sarah stated. “Everything he represents is odious.”
Solano, originally from Brazil, expressed discontent with Trump’s policies and his endorsement of Brazil’s former right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro, calling it “repulsive,” and questioned why Britain had to be so “cowardly.”
As the crowd progressed, it halted outside Downing Street, secured by officers from Wales and Northern Ireland. Some demonstrators displayed signs that read “Duck Off Donald” and “Feed him to the Corgis.”
At Parliament Square, where the march paused, several speakers took to the stage, beginning with a performance by musician Billy Bragg. Upcoming speakers are expected to include former Labour MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
