Donald Trump has arrived in the UK for a controversial visit that is being met by a wave of protests against his administration.
The itinerary for the president’s short stay appears to have been shaped to avoid anti-Trump marches, amid fears that events could turn violent, or trigger the US leader’s ire.
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After talks with May at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat, the president is meeting the Queen at Windsor Castle, before heading to Scotland with wife Melania for the weekend.
The largest demonstration is being held in central London this afternoon, where a giant “Trump baby” balloon has already flown close to Parliament, after getting the go-ahead from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a frequent target of Trump’s scorn.
When and where are the protests?
The biggest protest march began in front of BBC’s New Broadcasting House off Regent Street at 2pm today and ends with a rally in Trafalgar Square at 5pm. The demonstration, organised by left-wing pundit Owen Jones, is expected to draw as many as 70,000 people.
The anticipated crowds will affect London streets and transportation until this evening, according to a tweet from Transport for London:
The London Evening Standard reports that a section of Charing Cross Road will be closed, between Tottenham Court Road station and Denmark Street, as will roads in the St James’ Park area “including The Mall, Constitution Hill, Birdcage Walk, Spur Road and Horse Guards Road”.
Protests are also expected in Bristol, Newcastle, Leeds, Cambridge and Cardiff, says CNN, and small demonstrations are anticipated near Blenheim Palace and the US ambassador’s residence in Regent’s Park.
US citizens have been warned by their embassy in London to keep “a low profile” in order to avoid potential clashes.
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