Thousands gather outside New Scotland Yard to protest against policing of Sarah Everard vigil

14 March 2021, 16:37 | Updated: 15 March 2021, 07:27

Protesters stand off with police at Winston Churchill statue

By Joe Cook

Thousands of protesters have gathered outside Parliament and Downing Street to protest against the Metropolitan Police's handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday evening.

The force has come under intense criticism following the arrest of four people on Saturday evening, after hundreds gathered to mourn the murder of the 33-year-old and highlight violence against women.

The event descended into clashes after officers attempted to disperse the crowd.

Critics of police's handling of the event, including the Mayor of London and Home Secretary Priti Patel, described officers as "manhandling" attendees and using a "disproportionate" use of force.

Sadiq Khan has called for an independent investigation into the policing, saying he had met with Met Commissioner Cressida Dick and her deputy and was "not satisfied with the explanation they have provided.

Read more: Woman arrested on ground at Sarah Everard vigil 'not surprised' at how police treated her

However, as the protest was happening, Commissioner Dick told reporters she does not indent to resign, saying: "My view is, I'm entirely focused on growing the Met to be even stronger."

Protesters marched the short distance to Parliament, chanting "no justice, no peace", before laying down for a one minute of silence in memory of Sarah Everard and "all victims of state violence”.

Later, chants of "the sisters united will never be defeated" and "kill the bill" rang out across Parliament Square.

"The police will not keep us safe, they didn't yesterday and they won't today," one woman said in a speech to the crowd.

Many are holding banners, featuring phrases such as "Txt me when you're home babe" and "Believe all women".

Thousands of protesters lay-down outside Parliament in memory of Sarah Everard.
Thousands of protesters lay-down outside Parliament in memory of Sarah Everard. Picture: PA

Despite a heavy police presence, officers appear to be keeping their distance at the protest.

Police urged people to not gather, tweeting: "We know there are groups looking to attend further events across London today. We understand the strength of feeling but we remain in a health crisis.

"We urge people not to gather in numbers, this is for your safety and to prevent the spread of the virus."

Officers thanked those that left the crowd after they were asked to return home.

But hundreds stayed at Parliament Square into the evening, moving towards Downing Street and surrounding the Winston Churchill statue, before returning back to Scotland Yard.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, defended officer's conduct on Saturday, saying: "Yesterday, 26 Metropolitan Police officers were assaulted - punched, kicked, spat at - policing Covid-19 lockdown laws that a democratically-elected Government have imposed... laws that the Mayor of London has called on us to enforce to keep Londoners safe.

"Now colleagues are being condemned by politicians of all parties for doing what we have been asked to do by politicians on behalf of society. This is not right or fair. Damned if we do. Damned if we don't. Are we supposed to enforce Covid-19 regulations or not?

"Political leaders should be doing much more to support the police officers they have put in this impossible position.

"The thoughts of the Metropolitan Police Federation remain with the family and friends of Sarah Everard."

Serving Metropolitan Police constable Wayne Couzens, 48, has been charged with kidnapping and killing Ms Everard, who disappeared while walking home from a friend's flat in south London on 3 March.

Her body was then found hidden in an area of woodland in Ashford, Kent, on Wednesday 10 March.

The Met Police are facing intense scrutiny after their handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday.
The Met Police are facing intense scrutiny after their handling of a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday. Picture: PA
Many arrived at the protest with placards.
Many arrived at the protest with placards. Picture: PA

Many speeches at the protest have highlighted the government's plans to introduce a new policing bill that would allow officers to intervene in more protests, including those that cause "serious annoyance".

Following the events on Saturday evening, Labour announced they will vote against the bill, saying the "poorly thought-out measures" will "impose disproportionate controls on free expression and the right to protest".

Labour MP Nadia Whittome said she was joining the demonstration in Westminster, tweeting: "I'm marching outside Parliament with thousands of others standing against police brutality.

"The irony is, we won't be able to protest outside Parliament if #PoliceCrackdownBill passes."

However, Amanda Milling, co-chairwoman of the Conservative Party, said it was "shocking" that Labour is "trying to block tough new laws to keep people safe, including many vital measures to protect women from violent criminals."

"By voting against this Bill Labour are voting against tougher sentences for child murderers and sex offenders, killer drivers and measures that protect the vulnerable.

"This Conservative Government is working to keep people safe by reforming our justice system to keep our communities safe so that everyone can live their lives free from the fear of crime."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Exclusive
Defence Secretary John Healey refuses to say whether anyone has lost their job over the Ministry of Defence data breach.

Nobody has been fired over £7 billion Afghan data breach, LBC understands

Exclusive
A former Afghan interpreter told LBC that the Taliban may have used the major Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach to target Britain's allies.

Taliban has used major data breach at MoD to target those who helped Britain, says former Afghan interpreter

People search for their belongings amid the debris of destroyed houses in the aftermath of Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, on July 15, 2025.

Israeli strikes kill more than 90 Palestinians overnight, including 19 members of the same family

Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, who came to the UK in 1999 and founded the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association (ACAA) to help others, said the Government must “accept full responsibility (and) offer meaningful compensation” to those affected.

MoD data breach has 'endangered lives' and 'betrayed' thousands of Afghans, says campaign group

MasterChef presenter John Torode will not return to the BBC cooking show after producers Banijay UK confirmed his contract will not be renewed.

MasterChef star John Torode sacked - after allegation he used 'racist language' upheld in Gregg Wallace report

Keely Hodgkinson runs at the London Athletics Meet in 2024

Keely Hodgkinson out of London Diamond League

Nadiya Hussain has hit out at the BBC over the cancellation of her show

‘They’ll Keep You Till You're No Use’: Nadiya Hussain hits-out at BBC after show cancellation

An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

India-bound Boeing forced to turn back mid-flight amid concerns over fuel switches

Rory McIlroy practices ahead of The Open

The Open 2025: Full tee times revealed as McIlroy and Scheffler in exciting groupings

Yostin Mosquera, left, denies murdering Albert Alfonso, centre.

Web searches on 'fatal blows' and 'deep freezers' made before suitcase murders, jury told

photos issued by Northumbria Police of Daniel Daniel Graham, 39, (left) and Adam Carruthers, 32, who are due to be sentenced on Tuesday after they were found guilty at Newcastle Crown Court of criminal damage after the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree

Reason Sycamore Gap vandals cut down iconic tree revealed - as two men jailed for over four years

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC.

BBC boss Tim Davie insists he can 'lead' the corporation in the 'right way' in wake of string of scandals

Comp image of Dominic McLaughlin and Daniel Radcliffe playing Harry Potter

Harry Potter then and now: How TV and classic actors look side by side

Thousands of Afghans are being relocated to the UK as part of a secret scheme set up after a catastrophic personal data leak of people who supported British forces.

MoD could face 'strong claims for substantial compensation' following 'catastrophic' data breach

Sources have said Gerrard treats his daughter's partner Lee "just as he would anyone else”.

Steven Gerrard becomes a grandad at 45 as his daughter, 21, gives birth to baby shared with jailed gangster's son

Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, have been found guilty at Mold Crown Court of the murder of their two-year-old grandson.

Grandparents found guilty of murdering two-year-old after exposing him to 'casual brutality'