Roads will be closed and police out in numbers tomorrow for the planned ‘Freedom March’ through York.
On one of the busiest shopping Saturdays of the year, a large turnout is expected for a rally and procession organised by The North Unites, as revealed by YorkMix.
Organisers describe it as a pro-choice ‘Freedom March’ which has been called “in response to the government using discriminatory tactics and coercion to increase covid vaccine uptake”.
Protesters are gathering outside York Minster at 1pm before marching through the city centre from 2pm.
Both North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council say they are “working to facilitate a peaceful protest and ensure the safety of both demonstrators and members of the public”.
The council has confirmed a temporary traffic order from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
The route of the march will include the following streets:
- Deangate
- Aldwark
- Stonebow
- Colliergate
- Low Petergate
- Stonegate
The march will then head back along:
- Davygate
- Parliament Street
- High Ousegate
- Spurriergate
- Coney Street
- St Helen’s Square
- Blake Street
- Duncombe Place
A City of York Council spokesperson said: “Visitors and residents are advised that as the demonstration moves through the city centre, footpaths and streets could become congested and access to certain areas may be limited at times.
“Business owners are advised that, given the nature of the protest, there may be some challenge to current laws in relation to mask wearing in shops and should ensure staff are able to respond as businesses might require.
“Businesses should call the police in case of emergency.”
Patrolling and engaging
North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Pannone said: “We’re working to ensure a peaceful demonstration while also ensuring residents, visitors and businesses experience as little disruption as possible.
“Fortunately, we are very experienced at managing demonstrations and large scale events in the region and have a number of resources to hand to ensure everything runs smoothly.
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“Officers will be patrolling and engaging with those involved and members of the public, so that feeling of safety and security is maintained for everyone in the city.
“I understand that residents and business owners may be concerned about the activity and the impact it may have on a busy Saturday afternoon, a few weeks before Christmas.
“That’s why there will be an increased and visible police presence, to minimise disruption, ensure public safety at all times and to enable the city centre to return to normal as soon as possible, once the activity has ended.
“Everyone has the right to voice their opinion. Peaceful protest is key part of UK democracy and a right which police uphold and facilitate. I would ask that both residents and demonstrators respect these rights and each other’s opinions, so that the event can take place in a peaceful manner without any incident.”
On the day of the demonstration, North Yorkshire Police and the City of York Council will be sharing updates and information via their Twitter and Facebook accounts. To keep up to date, follow the hashtag #YorkDemo via @NYorksPolice and @CityofYork.