A PROTEST is being held outside St Giles' Cathedral where the Queen's coffin is lying in state after a man was threatened with arrest for holding a blank piece of paper.

A line of people holding a blank sheet and blank pieces of paper has formed outside the historic venue in defence of freedom of speech. 

Barrister Paul Powlesland held up a blank placard in London on Monday near the Houses of Parliament. He said he was told he would be arrested if he wrote “not my King” on it. 

Protesters at St Giles' have said they will not write on their papers due to fear of arrest. 

Powlesland said he travelled into London on Monday because he was concerned at reports of police targeting anti-monarchy protesters.