Day of Rage activists target Queen's speech with protest aimed at 'bringing down government'

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Large numbers of activists are planning a “Day of Rage” protest in London that coincides with the Queen’s Speech, aimed at "bringing down the Government."

The demonstration will take place as Theresa May sets out her legislative programme for the next two years in the Queen’s Speech today.

Organised by Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary (MFJ), the protest is a reaction to the Grenfell Tower fire and “brutal austerity, cuts and anti-immigrant attacks”.

The MFJ event page reads: "Politicians and many community and religious leaders will be looking to divert our rage and fury into inquiries, investigations, reports, court hearings, and parliamentary processes.

North Kensington: Message scrawled near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire
AP

"We will not accept those brush-offs and diversions, we will not settle for less than the destruction of May's coalition of austerity and bigotry - we must bring down this government."

Attendees have been urged to keep their activities peaceful, amid concerns that the disaster may be hijacked for violent means.

On the demo, shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "To everyone planning on demonstrating against Theresa May's Government over the next few weeks, it is vital that these protests are peaceful."

Volunteers at the Clement James Centre, who are working closely with those affected by the tragedy, have spoken out against the 'Day of Rage' demo.

One charity worker, Howard Taylor, said: "I cannot emphasise enough how against this many of the affected residents I've spoken to are and they do not want their grief hijacked for any violent or destructive means.

"They're angry, they're grieving but they are working to bring about positive change & action through conversations with the right people."

Protesters have been warning to keep their demonstration peaceful
PA

And Conservative MP for Romford Andrew Rosindell told the Daily Mail: "What is particularly shocking is that they are pretending it is about the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.

"It just seems like the hard-Left using it as an excuse to forward their agenda, which is despicable."

It is one of a number of protests to be held on Wednesday to coincide with the Queen’s Speech which is expected to be dominated by Brexit.

The MFJ protest will see demonstrators march to Downing Street at 1pm.

Theresa May: The protests come on the day the Prime Minister sets out legislature in Queen's Speech
PA

Organisers are seeking the permanent right to remain in the UK for all Grenfell Tower residents, and for survivors to take over unoccupied flats in Kensington and Chelsea.

Stand Up To Racism has organised a demo for 6pm called: "Protest the Queen's speech - no to May/DUP racism & bigotry!"

London Socialist Party is hosting a Facebook event called "May Must Go! Protest the Queen's Speech" which is scheduled for 4pm.

Hundreds have indicated online that they will be attending the protests.

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