Thousands took to the streets of London to protest Donald Trump’s UK state visit

An estimated 5,000 protesters flooded the streets of London last month to protest US president Donald Trump’s second UK state visit.

The protest was spearheaded by several campaigners across the UK, known as the Stop Trump Coalition. The coalition’s primary goal is, it says, “to resist Trump and Trumpism”, and is comprised of various campaign organisations. This includes pro-Palestinian, climate justice, and anti-racism groups.

Protesters marched with flags and signs reading “Trump Not Welcome”, “Dump Trump”, and “Stop Trump”, among others. Some individuals arrived dressed as prominent right-wing political figures, such as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, and Trump himself.

CNN reports that others brought miniature versions of a 20-foot Trump baby blimp that was flown at previous protests against the president’s 2019 UK visit.

via Unsplash

According to Reuters, over 1,600 police officers were present to supervise the recent anti-Trump demonstration, which took place just four days after right-wing campaigner Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally.

The Met Police’s deputy assistant commissioner, Louise Puddefoot, said officers would face “another busy day” overseeing the Stop Trump Coalition.

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The protests came after a US House Committee released a collection of documents relating to infamous paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which included a birthday card alleged to be from Trump. The card included an outline of a woman’s body with a written dialogue between Trump and Epstein, including the phrases “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey” and “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”

Climate activist Auriel Dowty Glanville, who arrived dressed as the Statue of Liberty, told the BBC she was protesting because of Trump’s climate denial, and because climate change is “the biggest threat facing us on Earth”.

Kay Collin, a retired schoolteacher from Scotland, told the New York Times she was demonstrating because of the president’s continued support of Israel.

Ace Kennedy, a college student in London, said: “He can spread his hate in the country where he’s been elected, but I don’t want him to spread it here.”

Donald Trump was approached for comment.

Featured image via Unsplash