A day of protests

Hundreds gathered at Parliament Square yesterday to protest the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently working its way through the Lords.

Protester at Kill the Bill Rally

Shami Chakrabarti and Bell Ribeiro Addy were among the speakers at the rally. The organisation of speakers was a little shambolic, as two sets spoke concurrently for no apparent reason on the same subject.

The demonstration then made its way to Trafalgar Square. Where they were permitted to share space with a Haitian event already rallying at the Square.

As they rallied a demonstration of thousands protesting the current situation in Afghanistan passed the Square and proceeded down Whitehall with signs that read: Save Afghan Women and Stop a Proxy Afghanistan War.

Protesters demonstrating about the situation in Afghanistan

Had it not been raining I wonder if turn out for all the different events may have been larger. Although perhaps the police bill and the situation in Afghanistan feel like a done deal to many.

Anti-Trump demo

At 11 o’clock today a diverse group of people amassed in Trafalgar Square to protest against Donald Trump’s state visit.

By 12 o’clock around 1,000 people were ready to march down Whitehall.

Stopping at Horse Guards parade for speeches by the likes of Owen Jones.

The atmosphere was brighter than the weather as the assembled throng said no to Trump.

A sad day in Trafalgar Square

I have a notebook full of notes about what happened today on Jo Cox's black birthday.

The fact that the square filled to capacity to commemorate this woman's death on the day of her birth is cause for hope, yet there was little to raise a smile.

A number of multi faith representatives were present, but did not speak.

It was Mariella Frostrup that mainly led proceedings.

Some heartening words were spoken by many of her family though right now I feel too sad to try and transcribe them, I may amend it later.

The pensioner that tried to save Jo's life is recovering his health, while she is being mourned by half the world it seems.

She stood for something

It was said that the values that she stood for were justice, equality and inclusion.

Yet there is nothing just about the murder of someone that has the bravery to stand and be elected to represent many.

This woman was no Hitler, she deserved to live a full and rich life.

Four music acts performed: a folk band called Diddly Dee who knew Jo, Lilly Allen one of her favourite performers and two choirs, one singing a song from Les Misérables and one of children.

And a poem was read: I will stand for love.

Malala also spoke.