A Black Lives Matter protest is due to take place today at 1pm at Regent Circus in response to police brutality and racism.

There have been demonstrations in the United States and around the world following the death of George Floyd. Police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes in Minneapolis on May 25.

Organisers have urged protesters to follow Covid guidelines and borough councillor Oladapo Ibitoye wants people to educate themselves on the issue.

He said: “I want to encourage everyone to sit back and think ‘why is this happening?’.

“I would advise everyone to be calm and support the movement that is actually making a change.”

Coun Ibitoye isn’t able to make today’s protest as his daughter is classed as vulnerable and he needs to remain isolated.

But he had some advice to those who couldn’t make it to the demonstration.

He said: “People should support the family of George Floyd by going to their official link and supporting the lawyers who are trying to bring justice.

“The only way we can ensure change is to make sure we create an impact rather than just a temporary protest.”

He added his thoughts went to the family of George Floyd and that this shouldn’t happen to anyone.

Protesters have been asked to wear PPE and should not attend if they are showing Covid-19 symptoms.

Organiser Zak Agilah said: “We want to emphasise that this protest will be peaceful and safe with regulations including social distancing in place.

“Even in the middle of a pandemic, it’s so important to show solidarity and say that all lives cannot matter until black lives matter.”

Massive protests have been seen in London and across the world this week.

Tino Tenda, who is helping organise the protest, added: “We have chosen to have a protest to not only stand in solidarity with those in America, but to highlight that the UK is not innocent and racism in the UK is a prominent issue that needs to be recognised.

“Many black people in the UK have sadly been subject to all forms of racism. Whether that be microaggression in day to day life, racial profiling or sadly death at the hands of those who are supposed to protect. We as people want to be confident in the system we follow but as of now we do not feel this system is made for all and is doing more harm than good.”