The anti-lockdown Freedom rally was a hugely peaceful gathering attended by 10s of thousands young & old, black & white. The vibe was incredible, festival like with dancing & singing There was no trouble during the march though 1 guy was arrested for shouting at the police 1/

It was an anti-lockdown march not an anti-vaxxer march or a covid-denial march, yes people hold different views!
The march ended up back at Hyde Park with v relaxed atmosphere as people sat on the grass in groups or danced to the band. The police circulated chatting to people. 2/

The police made NO requests for people to leave or for the band to stop. I asked a number of officers you aren’t going to do anything silly, to inflame this very peaceful end of the day. Most had already gone home, as the temp dropped all would soon leave. 3/

All of a sudden the police were collectively withdrawn. They gathered in ranks waiting orders & then in they marched, forcing themselves to the band creating confrontation where none existed. I don’t condone any violence, but most had gone home & all had been peaceful 4/

No police action was warned or warranted. The police created the anger & most unfortunately, some of their ranks were injured. That was absolutely wrong, but gold command in Lambeth should be held to account. 5/

Is it any wonder that hundreds of Met Officers are handing in their public order cards, taking early retirement when their leaders take bad decisions from their Lambeth bunker like yesterday? People were holding back the few seeking violence, don't blame the peaceful thousands 6/

So yet again, a huge peaceful rally attended by 10s of thousands is marred at the very end of the day by 1 bad police decision, giving the government & media the headline they wanted, "Mad anti-vaxxers cause violence in London". 8.