Organiser of NHS demonstration fined £10,000 for breaking Covid rules

The protest organiser has been fined by police

A woman who organised a demonstration calling for higher pay for NHS workers has been given a fixed penalty notice for £10,000.

The 61-year-old NHS worker, who had co-ordinated the event in Manchester city centre, was fined after police attended the demonstration at around midday today (Sunday 7 March).

Police say a crowd of around 40 people had gathered in contravention of current lockdown legislation, "in particular legislation concerning protests."

It's understood that after police engaged with the protesters, most dispersed.

Another woman, aged 65, was arrested for failing to provide details having refused the opportunity to leave when asked.

She later provided details and was de-arrested and given a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Superintendent Caroline Hemingway said: "With the positive step of schools reopening tomorrow, it is vital that people continue to follow Government legislation on social distancing and avoid gathering illegally in large numbers.

"Regardless of one's sympathies for a protest's cause, we would ask the public to maintain social distancing  and follow legislation to prevent a rise in infections and provide the best possible chance of a further easing of restrictions in the weeks to come.

"We sought to engage with and peaceably disperse those attending this afternoon's protest, explaining that the gathering was in contravention of Government lockdown rules.

"Unfortunately officers were met with a degree of non-compliance and it was therefore necessary to enforce issue FPNs."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended plans to give some NHS staff in England a 1% pay rise.

The government is giving workers "as much as we can" in the "tough times" of the Covid pandemic, Mr Johnson said.

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