THE council leader has warned people may die as a result of a weekend protest.

Nancy Platts, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, has responded to a mass gathering planned on Brighton beach in defiance of lockdown measures.

Cllr Platts said: “We recognise people’s right to protest. But any kind of mass gathering at the moment could result in a spike in Coronavirus infections and therefore more people dying.

The Argus:

“It’s not just about people who may wish to protest and disregard the lockdown. It’s also about the lives of their families, friends and anyone else they may come near to.

“We would urge people to avoid visiting Brighton and Hove this weekend for protesting, exercise or any other reason – and to maintain physical distancing for the sake of all of us.” 

The UK Freedom Movement, which believes the lockdown measures are unlawful, is plotting to host large gatherings on Brighton beach and Bevendean Down tomorrow.

The Argus:

Eventgoers who want to flout lockdown rules are urged to bring a picnic, music, and “say yes to life”.

Sussex Police are aware of the gathering, planned for midday, and will use their powers “if necessary”.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are aware of a planned mass gathering in Brighton this Saturday.

“While, under normal circumstances, we fully support the right to protest peacefully; during the current pandemic this right is superseded by the right to life in line with the new public health regulations.

“Our over-riding aim is to protect and keep people safe.

“We will continue our policing approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging and only as an absolute last resort will we enforce. We do not want to criminalise people unnecessarily; we appreciate the pressures that the public are facing, but we will use our powers if necessary.

“Anyone planning or promoting protests should be aware that if these activities result in protest activity, any participants may make themselves liable to police engagement and enforcement.”

The UK Freedom Movement describes itself as 'believing in freedom, equality and the sovereignty, structural integrity and democracy of the UK”.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund