POLICE have been pelted with bottles during an anti-lockdown protest today despite restrictions being lifted.
Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the Houses of Parliament and have blocked roads on Freedom Day.
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Thousands have gathered in parliament square Credit: i-Images 4
Protestors threw bottles at the police Credit: @PaulBrown_UK/Twitter 4
Protesters shout anti government slogans at the Houses of Parliament Credit: Getty
After months of constraints, the country has finally reached the last step in the government’s unlocking road map.
But anti-lockdowners have still flocked to the centre of London with anti-vaccination and anti-police signs.
Protesters chanted "shame on police" and "arrest Boris Johnson" as the demonstration moved from Parliament Square to spread onto the road and up to the gates of the Palace of Westminster.
Conspiracy theorist and anti-lockdown and vaccine skeptic Piers Corbyn was also seen addressing crowds.
And shocking video shows demonstrators pelting police officers with bottles as they attempted to clear the road.
Met Police tweeted: "We are responding to a demonstration in Parliament Square this afternoon.
"A group have blocked the road which is causing traffic disruption.
"Officers are on scene, speaking with those taking part in the protest and looking to ease congestion as soon as possible."
The protest has been met with criticism since many restrictions ended today.
From today Brits will no longer receive a fine if they don’t wear a face covering on public transport, the PM has announced.
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A protester wearing a Matt Hancock mask calls for the arrest of the ex-Health Secretary in Parliament Square Credit: Getty
Commuters will still be encouraged to wear a mask while on a bus or train - but this will not be legally enforced.
The one-metre-plus social distancing rule has also been scrapped in a huge boost for the hospitality industry, Mr Johnson has announced.
There will be no limits on how many people can meet socially, or where they can meet. This applies to weddings, funerals and other life events.
Punters will finally be allowed to mingle and stand once again, while ordering from the bar will also be permitted.
Punters will no longer need to check in to venues by scanning a QR code using the Test and Trace app, it was confirmed tonight.
There will no longer be a legal requirement for Covid certification for any setting - though businesses will be permitted to continue to use the app if they wish to do so.
It came after complaints from hospitality bosses that the app is leading to staff shortages as increasing number of employees are “pinged” and told to self-isolate.
And Brits will be heading back to the office after months of remote working.
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Mass events, including festivals, will also be allowed from July 19.
Festivals and concerts have been cancelled for the past 18 months as a result of social distancing restrictions.
But mass events outdoors, such as full stadiums and festivals, have got the go-ahead but with some element of testing or proof of vaccination required.
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