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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

The big anti-Covid pass protest tomorrow in London

222 replies

User135644 · 17/12/2021 22:06

AIBU or is this really not helpful to have them all gathering in the middle of London? It's the new epicentre of Covid while the virus peaks to previously unseen levels case wise. They're protesting against any new restrictions yet their actions tomorrow will make restrictions more likely.

I accept their right to protest but think it's unhelpful at this juncture, especially a week before Christmas. No doubt people bused in from around the country who'll then spread it back to their own home town.

Not to mention a lot of these people will be unvaccinated which puts the hospitals under more strain if it turns into a superspreader event. These Saturday protest jollies in London are always filled with anti-vax speakers, posters and paraphernalia.

OP posts:
Tealightsandd · 18/12/2021 00:22

Covid passes in many countries have the alternative option of a negative test.

But also, likewise the rest of society have the right to avoid unnecessary serious public health risks (that also damages the economy).

In a society rights come with responsibilities. Don't want part of this society, your choice. Go off-grid then. Set up your own Covid soup shops.

Tealightsandd · 18/12/2021 00:25

@Doveyouknow

There are covid protesters most days outside parliament / in the west end, that's why it's not covered in the press, it's not news it's business as usual. I support their right to protest but I wish they would choose somewhere else occasionally and give us a break...
One of them admitted ages ago on another thread that they wouldn't dare - because it wouldn't be tolerated. A couple of other cities and large towns maybe, but they don't have the guts to piss off the locals in a sleepy market town or village.
milly74 · 18/12/2021 00:32

Thank goodness, people rising and standing up against this attack on our liberties and freedoms. You should be applauding them.

PestoSugarPlumFairy · 18/12/2021 00:35

What on earth would be the point of protesting in a sleepy village? Hmm Protests happen in London (PARLIAMENT SQUARE Sat 12pm!!) because, you know, that's where the government 'govern'.

toomuchlaundry · 18/12/2021 00:42

Do they think anyone actually listens to them?

Tealightsandd · 18/12/2021 00:48

@PestoSugarPlumFairy

What on earth would be the point of protesting in a sleepy village? Hmm Protests happen in London (PARLIAMENT SQUARE Sat 12pm!!) because, you know, that's where the government 'govern'.
Like a lot of people they won't be at their workplace at the weekend. Most won't be in London. They really won't care what's happening in their place of work.

What on earth would be the point of protesting in a sleepy village?

Major news headlines if a large mass gathering/Covid superspreading event happened in a sleepy village.

Tealightsandd · 18/12/2021 00:49

people rising and standing up.... Iike zombies.

RavingAnnie · 18/12/2021 00:54

@PestoSugarPlumFairy

People have had enough of this inept government and their make-it-up-as-we-go-along/Do-as-we-say-not-as-we-do rules. Vaccine passports are a huge assault on our liberties, so good for them for making a stand.
I think there are other ways if making a stand rather than a huge mass gathering in the epicentre of a pandemic when the NHS us already struggling.
madisonbridges · 18/12/2021 00:57

@PestoSugarPlumFairy

People have had enough of this inept government and their make-it-up-as-we-go-along/Do-as-we-say-not-as-we-do rules. Vaccine passports are a huge assault on our liberties, so good for them for making a stand.
They're not a assault on my liberty.
QuinceTamarillo · 18/12/2021 01:04

If 4000+ people attend the protest, does it become an "unseated outdoor venue" and the police start checking the protesters' COVID passports?

The good thing about that protest is some of the Anti restrictions gang will be off here for a few hours 😃 bless them 🤭 Nah; MN has a mobile app. People can post here in between live tweets of the protest.

Draggondragon · 18/12/2021 04:00

It's so boring and nobody cares what a bunch of bored hippies thinks, they are just funny to watch but that doesn't help the people affected. The sad thing is many are just middle class posh kids so although it's fine for them to get it, seems a bit selfish to then go and have Christmas with mummy and daddy and the grandparents a week later.

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 18/12/2021 09:22

@DroopyClematis

Ah, I assumed the 'adult kids' didn't live 'at home', as they do, that changes things!

It's not worth the risk of passing omicron on to her is it. Hopefully you can all get together soon x

Original poster
User135644 · 18/12/2021 09:26

I don't have a problem with covid passes as long as those who cannot be vaccinated are able to show other evidence such as a negative test.

Which is the case (hence covid pass in the title)

People posting about vaccine passports. That's not the requirement, so it's disengenuous.

OP posts:
MerryMarigold · 18/12/2021 09:29

I would say this about any protest. Now is not the time.

Original poster
User135644 · 18/12/2021 09:29

@Merrymerry2

DH is going. It isn't a jolly to use your words, op. I support his right to protest and glad some of you can understand why he is going. Obviously not you op!!

Considering there's big football matches and lots of people being compressed into small spaces on trains etc. I am not at all bothered about him being in an open space where he is free to move around.

It's not just the protest itself though, is it? The bulk of the people aren't going to be walking there, they'll be using public transport (and without masks and unvaccinated in a lot of cases given who these protests attract).

It's only going to add the numbers and make further restrictions more likely.

OP posts:
MarshaBradyo · 18/12/2021 09:30

This pass is crazy imo

I don’t feel strongly about them just on a policy / numbers level they will do very little

Chocolatewheatos · 18/12/2021 09:33

People need a right to protest. Its not ideal given covid but its important

Original poster
User135644 · 18/12/2021 09:36

@MarshaBradyo

I don't think a Covid pass will make much difference against a mass spreading Omicron (it may help a bit but not enough).

It's a case of trying something before more restrictions are needed (plan B was always weak). Protests like today that increase cases just speed up the reality of more restrictions which they'll be back to kick off about on another Saturday afternoon in London in the new year.

OP posts:
Original poster
User135644 · 18/12/2021 09:37

People need a right to protest. Its not ideal given covid but its important

I said in the OP I support their right to protest.

It's more whether it's a good idea.

OP posts:
Emilyontmoor · 18/12/2021 09:37

Protesting in the given climate? what a bunch of morons, who with any brain cell to ever thing this is a good idea ? Actual morons. If you had witnessed their protests, they do not exactly radiating intelligence and education…. A bunch of noisy twerps shouting at anyone wearing a mask with six packs of Stella and scrappy bits of cardboard with frEEdom scrawled on them. And all having to be policed with guns and helicopters. They are not exactly winning anyone to their cause (s)

Tealightsandd · 18/12/2021 09:41

They've done the opposite of very little in other countries. They're not a panacea, but they are an extremely useful part of the expert (including WHO) recommended Vaccine Plus approach.

France, as just one example. Was one of the most vaccine refusing countries in the world. Bookings shot up after passes wree announced. And yes they're facing an increase in infections due to Omicron. But not as bad as us. Their passses make a difference (and they're also taking swift proactive additional mitigating measures - including travel restrictions from high risk countries like the UK).

RuggerHug · 18/12/2021 09:42

That didn't take longHmm[eyeroll]

MarshaBradyo · 18/12/2021 09:45

@User135644

People need a right to protest. Its not ideal given covid but its important

I said in the OP I support their right to protest.

It's more whether it's a good idea.

I suppose if you support the right then if it happens what can you do

I know people will insult etc as a result but really if the right is there then it can happen

ddl1 · 18/12/2021 09:47

Yeah that’s so weird. It’s almost like people want a choice what to put in their bodies to be able to do every day essential things like visit a supermarket or go to the doctors.

Oh FFS you don't need a Covid pass to visit a supermarket or go to the doctors. Even in lockdown, you could do these things. This is about attending indoor events.

But your ability to go to the doctor could in practice be restricted if medical services are overwhelmed by Covid patients.

And people aren't required to show evidence of vaccination; they could show a negative LFT.

And 'a choice about what to put in their bodies' - what about other people's choice about whether to put your Covid germs into their bodies?

RuggerHug · 18/12/2021 09:49

@RuggerHug

That didn't take longHmm[eyeroll]
Bloody quote not working, that was to pestos WE'LL BE ASKED TO SHOW PAPERS AND YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
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