Around 1,000 anti-lockdown protestors gathered in Brighton city centre today to voice their opinions on proposed vaccine passports and COVID-19 restrictions.
Crowds waved banners and chanted songs about regaining freedom as they marched from the Angel of Peace monument into the city centre.
People of all ages were armed with carboard signs and a strong political agenda; that lockdowns and vaccines are unnecessary and unwanted.
One protestor, Paula Mitton, from Worthing, said: “I don’t think there was any scientific basis for the lockdowns. I think we have been very misled.”
Ms Mitton spoke about her fears and distrust in the COVID-19 vaccines. “It’s an experimental technology and very dodgy. It is being forced upon the population, and we are here to ask why.”
She added: “In my Christmas cards I put links to some websites from independent doctors warning of the dangers of the vaccine. They are threatening vaccine passports meaning we wouldn’t be able to carry out our daily lives unless we get this experimental, dangerous technology.”
There is overwhelming evidence from official scientific bodies on the legitimacy and effectiveness of the vaccine programme, which has now successfully administered over 100,000 doses in Brighton and Hove (data from BBC.)
Despite this, protestors today held signs saying, ‘the vaccine is tracking you’, ‘take off your mask’, and ‘COVID-19 is a hoax’. Members of the public sat having food and drinks on the seafront were heckled at and encouraged to take off their face coverings.
Thanks to the vaccination roll-out, COVID-19 cases are continuing to decrease in Brighton, according to the most recent update from Brighton and Hove City Council. The current infection rate is at 13.8 per 100,000 residents, lower than the rate for England which is currently 22.6 per 100,000.
All images owned by writer.
Vaccination figures from BBC
Brighton and Hove COVID-19 statistics from https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/covid-19-key-statistics-brighton-hove
Emily Hall
