The incident happened outside the House of Commons (Stock image)
(Picture: PA)A Labour MP has told of how she was “trapped and surrounded by aggressive and abusive anti-vax protesters” as she attempted to enter the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon.
Anna McMorrin, who represents Cardiff North, said she was “left shaking” as demonstrators swarmed her on her way to parliament.
She had been on her way to the Commons for an update given by the prime minister to MPs after he received a fixed penalty notice last week for breaching lockdown rules.
Boris Johnson had been due to speak at 3.30pm but did not take to the despatch box until 5pm. It is unclear whether the delays were prompted by anti-vax activists.
Ms McMorrin wrote on Twitter: “Truly terrifying experience just now trapped and surrounded by aggressive and abusive anti Vax protestors as I tried to come into the House of Commons.
“Thank you to the police who were incredibly calm and helped me get out of it safely. Still shaking though.”
Scenes as protestors appear to be stopping Boris get into Parliament for his statement later by blocking the road at Parliament Square pic.twitter.com/TGj2rkim6K
— Matthew (@TorbsTalks) April 19, 2022
Footage posted to social media show a large number of protesters appearing to block cars outside the Commons.
A separate clip showed infamous anti-vax protester Piers Corbyn standing in front of a blue car and blocking its passage to parliament.
Guido Fawkes reported that the car belonged to Tory MP Bob Blackman, for Harrow East, who was attempting to drive into New Palace Yard before being encircled by protesters.
Other protesters are then seen hitting the car and screaming at the driver through the window. A woman is also seen carrying a placard reading: “We cannot trust the government to make the right decisions for the people.”
Truly terrifying experience just now trapped and surrounded by aggressive and abusive anti Vax protestors as I tried to come into the @HouseofCommons.
— Anna McMorrin MP 🏴🏳️🌈 (@AnnaMcMorrin) April 19, 2022
Thank you to the police who were incredibly calm and helped me get out of it safely. Still shaking though.
A spokesperson for the Met Police told the Standard: “Met police officers deployed to outside of the Houses of Parliament where about 40 protesters were demonstrating, causing temporary road closure around Parliament Square, Tuesday 19 April.
“They were there from about 14:50hrs and left at around 16:20hrs.
“During the demonstration, an MP’s vehicle was prevented from entering the Houses of Parliament by the protesters. Police attended and ensured the car was able to enter though Carriage Gate.
“No arrests were made. Police are investigating the circumstances.”
