Hundreds Protest Compulsory Mask-Wearing In London

Hundreds of protesters gathered in London to campaign against wearing masks.

Crowds gathered in Hyde Park at 1pm as part of a rally organised by campaign group Keep Britain Free (KBF).

People held signs reading, “I will not be masked, tested, tracked”.

It comes as the Government is set to make masks compulsory in shops and supermarkets in England with potential fines of up to £100 if someone fails to wear one. They claim this is to tackle coronavirus and help prevent a second outbreak.

On the KBF website, their statement reads: “This country has a proud history of fighting for freedom. Yet the Government has used lockdown to strip away our liberties.

“Every aspect of our lives is now controlled by draconian rules and regulations. We are told how many friends we can have; whose houses we can visit; where we can travel – even what to think.

“Our children cannot return to school. Businesses remain shut. For months, churches, mosques and temples were simply locked up. Collective acts of worship remain banned.”

The statement adds: “These measures are devastating the economy. They will ruin lives for generations. Millions of people have already been put out of work. Left to their own devices politicians will seek to control us.”

Speaking to Sky News, organiser Leah Butler-Smith said the group is not concerned about people who choose to wear a mask.

She added: “It is just the fact that people are being told they have no choice about wearing a mask.”