Hundreds of demonstrators marched through central London and occupied Parliament Square, briefly clashing with police, in protest against a US grand jury verdict clearing Darren Wilson – the officer who shot dead black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson.
27 November 2014
Watch London demonstrators tear down a fence and occupy Parliament Square as they rally in solidarity with Ferguson protesters.
26 November 2014
Watch RT's Harry Fear's latest report from the scene of London protests:
A group of demonstrators surrounded by policemen have passed Trafalgar Square. Protests appear to be peacefully winding down; some demonstrators are talking to police officers, others are chanting slogans.
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Police lined up in front of Big Ben. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/VCdPX9n9ul
— Hashem Said (@hash_said) November 26, 2014
Protesters chant "All white police" and "Killer cops have got to go"- surround officers guarding Parliament
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After much walking in mud, crowd (much smaller than earlier) now in road outside Parliament gates #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/e4LYbJi973
— Jules Mattsson (@julesmattsson) November 26, 2014
"Hands up, don't shoot!" Ferguson solidarity protesters chant in front of the Parliament.
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Police lined up, yet the protest still continues.. #LondonToFerguson#Ferguson#BlackLivesMatterpic.twitter.com/va67MBYLwN
— The Socialist (@mozesislam09) November 26, 2014
Protesters returning to Parliament Square
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RT @ShellyAsquith: Hundreds now at Picadilly Circus #londontofergusonpic.twitter.com/gL45ujn2nD#Ferguson
— Jason Lamarche (@Lamarche) November 26, 2014
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Protest now at New Scotland Yard, London police HQ #LondonToFerguson#fergusonpic.twitter.com/4ne1AtdavM
— usayd (@usayd) November 26, 2014
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HANDS UP DONT SHOOT #LONDONTOFERGUSONhttps://t.co/JUd54kd63B
— proud poppy burner (@piss_wizard) November 26, 2014
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Police look like they don't want to even be there, and protesters have no reason to be afraid. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/jJX4xfCEZt
— Hashem Said (@hash_said) November 26, 2014
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Hundreds are blocking police vans on Victoria Road now. Near Scotland Yard. #LondonToFerguson is militant. pic.twitter.com/DvzMc1tWdc
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
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Crowd broke thru Parliament Sq. barriers. Now seems we're heading to Scotland Yard (Met Police HQ) #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/1BHPFsMo3v
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) November 26, 2014
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Scenes at Parliament square right now. Thousands here. #LondonToFerguson now off to Scotland Yard pic.twitter.com/i2vnMQ0AQ9
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
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Fence ripped down, police unsure what to do as crowds stream in. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/9SVIaBO6Bq
— Hashem Said (@hash_said) November 26, 2014
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@MikeSegalov people are pouring into parliament square. The police are throwing and hitting. #londontofergusonpic.twitter.com/x7aC0aZpjN
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
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P square fencing breached #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/1id7G0jNjv
— Jules Mattsson (@julesmattsson) November 26, 2014
"Whose Square? Our Square" - Protesters retake Parliament Square.
Police attempt to retake square, confrontation
Protesters arrive in Parliament Square, tear down fences, occupy square
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Guy Fawkes stares down a London police officer. Heh. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/iPQeFkKsmI
— Hashem Said (@hash_said) November 26, 2014
Police massed around entrance to Downing Street, confronted by protesters
Protest arrives at Downing Street, chanting "The people united will never be defeated"
Protesters in Trafalgar Square, heading toward Whitehall and Downing Street.
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Charing Cross now, as protestors have continued on. This across from police station. #LondontoFergusonpic.twitter.com/SIupenIJkA
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) November 26, 2014
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Charing cross police station closing off their blinds as protesters scale outside #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/ik5fZh1o3g
— Jules Mattsson (@julesmattsson) November 26, 2014
Protesters stop at Charring Cross police station, begin banging on cars, chanting "No justice no peace". Car alarms sound.
Arrived at Charring Cross Police Station. The shutters are down. Who killed Mark Duggan? #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/fil4UWdmb3
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
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Mark Duggan's name is echoing off the walls surrounding Covent Garden now. Crowd still large. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/zKBWn5iTyZ
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
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“@MikeSegalov: Moving to Leicester Square now. Hands up don’t shoot is echoing around. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/zgZwzMF4sx”
— Black Beard (@DeoFam) November 26, 2014
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At Piccadilly Circus now marching in solidarity with #ferguson#londontofergusonhttps://t.co/QkaOxocIZf
— Samta Gaus (@gausie) November 26, 2014
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#londontoferguson#fergusonhttps://t.co/NU0I4tFKo4
— Samta Gaus (@gausie) November 26, 2014
Protesters pass Leicester Square chanting: "Darren Wilson do your time, being black is not a crime."
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#Londontoferguson we're with you. pic.twitter.com/hPwZV85FWG
— Jessica Macc (@jess_macc) November 26, 2014
Protesters stop in Piccadilly Circus, smoke bombs filling the air
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Moving faster. Close to Piccadilly Circus. More people joining Thousands here. Black lives matter #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/LfyuN0nbnx
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
Protesters pass through Piccadilly Circus
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traffic is at standstill on regents street. cars honking in solidarity. bus drivers saluting us. #LondonToFerguson#BlackLivesMatter
— Anna Oakes-Monger (@AnnaOakesMonger) November 26, 2014
Protesters fill southbound side of Regent Street
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Justice for Mike Brown on the streets of London #solidaritywithferguson#londontofergusonpic.twitter.com/9ssQMG04cs
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) November 26, 2014
#LondonToFerguson marchers heading towards Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
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#LondonToFerguson: ‘No justice, no peace! F*** the police!’ | #MikeBrown#BlackLivesMatter#GrandJuryDecisionhttps://t.co/EgI8A88mG4
— Harry Fear (@harryfear) November 26, 2014
Trade unionist bus drivers honk horns in support of marchers as they work their way down Oxford Street retail area.
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#LondonToFerguson: ‘Hands up! Don't shoot!’ | #MikeBrown#BlackLivesMatter#GrandJuryDecisionhttps://t.co/SHMd4Fnf3P
— Harry Fear (@harryfear) November 26, 2014
Drivers hit horns in support of marchers, late night shoppers follow protest.
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Surreal juxtaposition between #LondonToFerguson march and v posh shops along the way
— Joana Ramiro (@JoanaRamiroUK) November 26, 2014
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Marching to Oxford Circus. Smoke everywhere. Police unprepared. Streets closed. Thousands here. #londontofergusonpic.twitter.com/VP1p51Ebt5
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
Smoke bombs fill the air on London's Oxford Street
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Enormous crowd marching and has stopped traffic on N Bond St. I have no idea where we're going... #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/aiMoUdelGO
— Samta Gaus (@gausie) November 26, 2014
Protesters weave between Oxford Street taxis chanting "hands up, don't shoot"
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Heading down towards Oxford Circus. Screaming 'hands up don't shoot'. Militant and angry crowd. #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/XQupjFLRfw
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
Protesters leaving the US embassy, heading for retail areas of Oxford Street
Final speaker before the protest "goes fully mobile"
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We're standing with you.
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We appreciate the support from the people of #London. It is good to see that there are still people who value justice! #LondonToFerguson
— Elle Elizabeth (@ElleLizUSA) November 26, 2014
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"To the organised working class of America: this is your fight." - RMT speaker #LondonToFerguson
— Shelly Asquith (@ShellyAsquith) November 26, 2014
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A bunch of additional police officers have just turned up and are gathering. #LondonToFerguson#Ferguson
— Sarkastik Samurai (@zenaynay) November 26, 2014
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'Racist pigs' chant towards the U.S. Embassy #LondonToFerguson
— edna (@ednamohamed_) November 26, 2014
Armed military police watch the crowd from the windows of the US embassy.
Hannah Dee Chair Defend the Right to Protest said: "To show Michael Brown’s family and people of Ferguson and across the US that we stand with them. That the whole world is not only watching but joining them to demand justice for Mike Brown and for all victims of police violence and to say that Black lives matter. Police racism, deaths in custody, the utter failure of the legal system to deliver justice, the struggle over these issues has no borders, from London to Ferguson we see these familiar patterns – this is an international struggle."
Zita Holbourne, National Co-Chair BARAC UK, said: "Until there is a balance of powers there will be no balance of the scales of justice. Oppression, institutional racism, inequality, poverty and injustice occur because of a division of rights where black people are treated like third class citizens."
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“@Presstvuk: Carole Duggan showing support for family of #MichaelBrown and #Ferguson#LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/sr3evvOTzC”
— Blair Waldorf (@hello_sailor) November 26, 2014
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"There is pain in Ferguson tonight, and we feel that pain here too." #LondonToFerguson
— Aaron McCall (@MrNeuropolitan) November 26, 2014
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Carole Duggan 'All we want is justice. Whilst our children lie dead, the murdering police walk on' #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/QfYZsPiJhR
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
Carole Duggan: "We’re not going to swallow your crap any more."
“It’s sad we have to do this to be heard. Why? Because we’re working class and we’re black. We’re persecuted and kept down."
Carole Duggan, aunty of Mark Duggan killed by London Police in 2011, speaking.
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In memory of #MichaelBrown - in the centre of London & how surreal #LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/SblNFHJ5CL
— Laura (@_laura_tweets) November 26, 2014
“The police are there to uphold the law, yet they demonize young black people.”
“The judicial system is a corrupt system.”
Black Students’ Campaign speaker: “Police cannot and will not work on behalf of the people”
“Our communities cannot afford to lose more loved ones.”
“We must continue to get angry, but channel this – organize, organize, organize!”
“Ferguson, your action is an example to all.”
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Thousands here in London. Chants of no justice no peace. #Ferguson#LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/5Dt6zK5QpR
— Michael Segalov (@MikeSegalov) November 26, 2014
One minute's silence called to remember "victims of police violence"
Red smoke bombs set off among growing crowd
Protesters light candles in memory of Mike Brown
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London protest outside US embassy over shooting of Michael Brown #Ferguson#LondonToFerguson@BenQuinn75https://t.co/muolvJ1JY8
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) November 26, 2014
Organisers urge the crowd to remain for the second protest, which begins immanently.
The chanting remains peaceful, but with a forceful message.
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE, JAIL RACIST POLICE #LondontoFerguson
— Elle (@semicolonslut) November 26, 2014
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#Ferguson#MikeBrown#LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/Ql6aDEM4Sm
— Ola Aki (@OlaAki_) November 26, 2014
"You do not have a licence to kill".
The protesters continue to chant outside the US embassy.
Speaking to RT earlier, Hannah Dee, Chair of Defend the Right to Protest talked about what the demonstration could achieve:
"In an open letter protesters from Ferguson have said “We march on with purpose. The work continues. This is not a moment but a movement. The movement lives.” This protest is about showing there are also many people here in Britain that are ready to be part of such a movement. Many families, their supporters and campaigners in Britain have struggling over these issues, for their loved ones, for justice, for years, even decades, we are saying to people tonight - this is the moment when we need you to join them."
Stand Up to Racism closes their rally with a speech about closing down the BNP's presence in England.
"Right now in Europe I pity those dealing with far right, fascist parties"
An NUS speaker takes to the floor.
Speakers condemn Obama and UKIP.
"Instead of saying immigrants have brought wealth, they are saying we haven't done anything of the sort".
"Don't hide behind institutional injustice, we are coming for you".
London stands in solidarity with #Ferguson#LondonToFergusonpic.twitter.com/aV68vpsWR3
— Gia Armstrong (@GeeArms) November 26, 2014
One mother from the crowd has taken the microphone, she tells the rally "stand together and fight!"
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"HANDS UP DON'T SHOOT"
The crowds put their hands as a symbolic gesture of innocent police victims.
Hands up don't shoot! #londontoferguson demo at us embassy #london#ferguson#justiceformikebrownpic.twitter.com/FGRwA1HLe7
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) November 26, 2014
"If each slave didn't struggle against the chains of the slave in front of them, we'd still be there".
Marcia Rigg discusses the "decades" of police injustice, and urges the crowd to use social media to promote their cause.
Marcia Rigg speaks to the crowds says how can we have justice with no peace. #LondonToFerguson#Fergusonpic.twitter.com/xLPu31LYRy
— Press TV UK (@Presstvuk) November 26, 2014
"We know what it feels like to know that a member of your family has been murdered in cold blood"
Carol Duggan, aunt of Mark Duggan, speaks to the crowd.
"Travesty of justice"
The leader of the rally addresses the crowd and reads a speech from MP Diane Abbott, who supports the demonstration.
“My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Mike Brown. Not only have they lost a loved one but following the Grand Jury’s decision they no doubt feel the strongest sense of injustice, which can only make their pain worse.
“The anger and disruption that has already followed this decision extends beyond the killing of Mike right to the root of long standing issues with the criminal justice system. Just as in Britain, the Black community in the US has a fraught history with the police. It is one of the reasons I have always been against the arming of police."
Crowds are gathering at the US embassy
"No justice, no peace, jail racist police" solidarity with Ferguson and justice for Mike Brown #londontofergusonpic.twitter.com/fD8WbSqRwW
— SWP Britain (@SWP_Britain) November 26, 2014
#LondontoFergusonpic.twitter.com/IhK7KGOuo1
— .... (@BayleeGracex) November 26, 2014
"No justice, no peace"
The words of the protesters mimic those of Aaron Kiely NUS NEC, who said earlier:
“We join the family of Mike Brown in calling for an indictment of the officer who shot their son dead. We currently live in a world where young black people can be shot dead on the street with impunity. This has got to stop. No justice, no peace.”
Protesters have gathered peacefully with placards reading:
"Justice for Mike Brown. Solidarity with Ferguson"
In the run up to the demonstrations, the organisations involved have spoken out.
Zita Holbourne, National Co-Chair BARAC UK, said:
“Until there is a balance of powers there will be no balance of the scales of justice. Oppression, institutional racism, inequality, poverty and injustice occur because of a division of rights where black people are treated like third class citizens. As Martin Luther King said, a riot is the voice of the unheard. When will the powers that contribute to injustice be prepared to hear?”
Stand Up to Racism will hold the first of two protests happening this evening in front of the US embassy. The first demo will begin at 5.30, the second at 7.30.
See you at the demo at 5.30pm this evening - followed by another protest at 7pm - Justice for Mike Brown -no justice, no peace! #Ferguson
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) November 26, 2014
MP Diane Abbott showed her support for the demonstration today:
“A recent report has shown that in recent years young black males in the US were 21 times more likely to be shot dead by police than their white counterparts. This is shocking, but inequality in policing is not a new phenomenon. Therefore how can it ever be reasonable to allow police to use deadly force against an unarmed young man? And just this weekend a 12 year old boy has been shot dead by police in the US as he played with a fake gun in a park. And time and time again no one is held accountable. When yet another unarmed young black man is killed and it is ‘lawful’, it can be no surprise that black people are questioning how much value these same laws place on their lives.”
Diane Abbott MP in solidarity w. Mike Brown's family for #london US embassy protest at 5.30pm Wed 26 Nov https://t.co/kAbiawycvc#Ferguson
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) November 25, 2014
A press release from the London Black Revolutionaries published earlier today condemned the police behaviour, saying that working with them was no longer an option.
Extract:
"We should not be expected to accept the status quo, or to subdue ourselves in the face of subjugation. When the nature of the threat has made itself so evident we need to strike back and make our demands with clarity and conviction, without compromise.
For dealing with a racist organisation with a deep-seated culture of impunity, community-led accountability of the police is the only way we will begin to put an end to the abuse of police authority, as facilitated by the justice system. Engaging with them or ‘working from within’ to try and merely prevent from the worst of its excesses is not an option.
With the US justice system systematically targeting Black people to reproduce the prison-industrial complex and finance private prisons, it is important to appeal to our governments on a purely moral basis to protect us from their own institutions. We must seek proper democratic control over the police and make clear that Black lives are not cheap, and not for exploitation.
We have to identify the media’s role in perpetuating the racist stereotyping and scapegoating of Black communities throughout the UK and the USA, and in legitimating the brutalisation of Black people. Solidarity means actively countering the demonisation of protestors in Ferguson fighting for justice against the racist police, military and the KKK, and supporting their right to defend themselves by any means necessary.
In the same year that Mark Duggan’s murder was deemed lawful, and where the USA’s ongoing war on Black people has been defined by a string of killings of Black men by police, it is as important as ever to affirm solidarity between our people across borders.
We hope the people of Ferguson can draw strength from our support as we have from their continued struggle against those intent on silencing them, and in asserting beyond doubt that Black lives matter."
Fears have been voiced on social media that this evening's protest will spark violence and looting similar to the 2011 London riots after the killing of Mark Duggan.
@RTUKnews parallels with Duggan case so clear, no case to answer, dimwits and criminals go on rampage, response not hard enough. Scumbags.
— Bubbles Jackson (@bubblesinnocent) November 26, 2014
@RTUKnews solidarity, bollocks!!! They'll head straight for the nearest electrical store!!!
— Billy Straight (@Milo_Sturgis) November 26, 2014
Hannah Dee, Chair Defend the Right to Protest, told RT earlier today that this evening's protest was in solidarity with the US demonstrations.
"[Tonight] is to show Michael Brown’s family and people of Ferguson and across the US that we stand with them. That the whole world is not only watching but joining them to demand justice for Michal Brown and for all victims of police violence and to say that Black lives matter. Police racism, deaths in custody, the utter failure of the legal system to deliver justice, the struggle over these issues has no borders, from London to Ferguson we see these familiar patterns – this is an international struggle."