Coronavirus: Nearly a dozen women hold anti-lockdown protest in war memorial park

A group of women held a protest over what they said were their "rights and freedoms" being "taken away” during the coronavirus lockdown, prompting outrage from a local NHS worker.

The demonstrators, who gathered at a park in Basingstoke, Hampshire, also claimed the UK coronavirus death toll had been exaggerated, and that they plan to demonstrate every Monday until social distancing restrictions are lifted.

One woman told the Basingstoke Gazette: “We want to save our rights. We believe the number of people dead from Covid is exemplified [sic].”

She claimed “extra numbers” were being added on to the government’s daily tally, but did not provide any evidence.

The protest was organised by Save Our Rights UK – a group operating via Facebook – which is also behind similar protests in Brighton and Bedford.

Louise Creffield, who set up the group, told The Independent she planned to go ahead with the weekly protest in Brighton, where she lives, on Monday despite police in Basingstoke threatening to issue on the spot fines.

She said: “We are very much about pro rights, we are not anti-lockdown – I feel like that’s a very important distinction to make.

“We feel like we’ve had our right to work, to education, to healthcare … all have been withdrawn and we’ve had no say in it.”

The government has advised the public to observe social distancing measures and work from home where possible.

The 33-year-old said the group is backing a legal challenge by businessman Simon Dolan, who is seeking a judicial review over the government’s lockdown measures.

One NHS worker who witnessed the demonstration questioned why the protesters had not been arrested.

The health worker, who did not want to be named, told the local paper: “It’s out of order for people who have lost someone and NHS workers like me who leave their kids and families to work.

“This is outrageous to me and my colleagues.”

Anti-lockdown protests have taken place in different parts of the world in recent days, including outside the Metropolitan Police’s headquarters in London on Saturday.

A man was arrested after about 20 people took part in a group hug outside New Scotland Yard, chanting “hug someone, save lives” and carrying signs with slogans such as “My body, my choice”.

Hampshire Constabulary attended the protest in Basingstoke on Monday, however no arrests were made.

The Basingstoke Cops Facebook page posted later that day: “This evening officers provided advice and moved on a group from War Memorial Park, Basingstoke.

“Despite these reasonable steps, enforcement action has now been taken in Basingstoke town centre in relation to the same small group.”

It added: “For those who are not heeding the stay at home guidance, our officers will seek to engage, explain the circumstances and encourage you to do the right thing in complying with the government request.

“If considered necessary, we may take enforcement action by way of a fixed penalty notice if you are putting others at risk.”

The Independent has contacted Hampshire Constabulary for further comment.