‘Saboteurs’ release thousands of crickets at gender-critical group’s event
The Met Police said they called at 4.24pm on Friday to reports that four protesters had released a number of insects at a conference centre in London.
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Police were called after “thousands” of live crickets were released by “saboteurs” at a gender-critical campaign group’s annual conference.
Officers were called at 4.24pm on Friday to reports that four protesters had released a number of insects at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, the Metropolitan Police have said.
The LGB Alliance, a charity formed in recent years to support the rights of same-sex attracted people, confirmed in a statement that the crickets had been released.
Videos posted on social media showed dozens of brown insects crawling over the conference chairs and over cardboard boxes.
Police said the protesters were detained by security and escorted from the premises.
There were no arrests and an investigation into the incident remains ongoing, the force added.
Kate Barker, chief executive of the LGB Alliance, said: “It was distressing to see thousands of insects killed for the sole purpose of trying to disrupt the UK’s only conference for same-sex attracted people
“This attempted sabotage speaks volumes about our opponents.
“For years, gender identity ideologists have infested the LGB movement, bullying and silencing anyone who disagrees with them.
“It’s especially sad that the perpetrators don’t seem to realise that the men and women gathered here today fought for their right to be gay, lesbian and bisexual.
“This has only brought us together and made us more determined to fight against the renewed rise of homophobia, which is all the more dangerous for coming wrapped in the rainbow flag.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.