Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham and Green Party leader Zack Polanski have joined forces with thousands of others as they gather in London for the left-wing Together Alliance march.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets to oppose what they describe as the “far-right” and “politics of division.”
Rally co-organiser Kevin Courtney, chairman of the Together Alliance coalition, told crowds gathered on Whitehall that 500,000 people have attended the march.
He said: “Our estimate is now that there are half a million people on this demonstration – the biggest demonstration ever against the far right.
“And it gives us all confidence to carry on. Thank you very much.”
That number has been disputed by the police however, who say it’s more like 50,000.
They concede, however, that it is hard to get an accurate number as marchers are so dispersed throughout central London.
The procession set off from Park Lane at 1pm this afternoon, with participants now heading towards Whitehall, where the march will conclude.
Demonstrators have taken to the streets of London to oppose what they describe as the ‘far-right’ and ‘politics of division’
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GB NEWS
The route takes protesters along Piccadilly, through Regent Street, down Pall Mall, to Trafalgar Square, and finally to Whitehall.
Mr Burnham, Mr Polanski and Labour MP Dawn Butler are scheduled to address the crowds from the Whitehall stage.
Trade union leaders are also among those expected to take to the platform throughout the afternoon.
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who has been engaged in a prolonged public dispute with US President Donald Trump, will address demonstrators via a pre-recorded video message played at the Whitehall stage.
The procession set off from Park Lane at 1pm this afternoon, with participants now heading towards Whitehall, where the march will conclude
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GETTY
Major trade unions, including UNISON and Unite, are participating, alongside Amnesty International UK.
The event has attracted backing from more than 140 celebrities, with actors David Harewood, Sir Mark Rylance and Maxine Peake among those joining the march alongside musicians including Paloma Faith, Charlotte Church and Brian Eno.
Former Little Mix star Leigh-Anne Pinnock headlines the entertainment programme alongside Jessie Ware, Hot Chip performing a DJ set, Katy B, Joy Crookes and Self Esteem.
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg is also among the artists taking to the stage.
