Women's March on London: 'Why we joined the anti-Donald Trump protest'

1/17

Londoners who joined 100,000 anti-Donald Trump protesters in Saturday’s Women’s March on London have praised the event's "electric" atmosphere.

The action was planned in solidarity with similar demonstrations taking place in Washington DC and the rest of the world in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Organisers called for people to join them "as part of an international day of action in solidarity" aimed at promoting women’s and human rights.

Protesters descended on central London for the start of the demonstration just after midday - wielding a rainbow of homemade signs with slogans referring to gender equality or President Trump.

Thousands attend Women's March on London protest against Trump

The march, which ended with a rally in Trafalgar Square, was described as “incredible” by one attendee, but another added: “It’s crazy to think marches like this still have to happen in 2017.”

Just 37 per cent of US citizens say they approve of President Trump, compared to the 80 per cent support which Obama enjoyed at this stage in his own presidency in 2009.

'The air was thick with determination and energy'

Janet Oganah, a social media business owner, said she felt powerless after Mr Trump's election victory

Janet Oganah, 33, a former barrister turned social media business owner from Shoreditch, said: “The election result - as well as the political events of 2016 - have left me feeling powerless, disenfranchised and under attack.

"The march was the first time in months that I have felt positive about the state of the world. The air was thick with determination and energy.

“I saw placards on race equality, gender equality, LGBT rights, climate change, abortion rights, immigration & refugee causes and the list goes on.

"It is profoundly disappointing that one person, who is now one of the most powerful people in the world, can pose such a real and direct risk to all of these groups and causes.”

'I needed to march for equality'

Georgie White-Aldworth, 30, welled up 'several times' at the demo

Georgie White-Aldworth, 30, an artist and gallery worker from Walthamstow, said: “I needed to march for equality, for freedom, for trust and honesty, for respect, to be heard, to be listened to – to feel in control and really simply for some common courtesy which I think has been forgotten in politics.

"The march was fantastic, incredible in fact. It felt empowering that everyone was out in the freezing but sunny streets of London knowing we all believed the same thing. I welled up several times.”

'It affects all of us'

Louisa Connolly-Burnham, an actress from Barnet, said 'it’s crazy to think marches like this still have to happen in 2017'

Louisa Connolly-Burnham, 24, an actress from Barnet, said: “The atmosphere was electric, but amongst all the excitement there were also emotional moments because it’s crazy to think marches like this still have to happen in 2017.

“It matters because America is the world’s leading global super power politically, militarily and economically. It matters because fear, division and inequality are universal issues. It matters because global warming is real. It matters because it affects all of us.

“I feel sorry for the poor man [Trump] if he thinks we’re going to go quietly into the night.”

'It’s not just about the presidency'

Liza van der Smissen argued President Trump mattered in Britain too

Actress Liza van der Smissen added: “This matters in Britain as I believe it’s not just about the presidency in the US.

"It’s about creating a feeling of solidarity with one another wherever you are in the world.”

'He makes my skin crawl'

Molly Long, a journalism student, said she thought Trump was 'hideous'

Molly Long, a journalism student from Islington, added: “I think Trump is hideous, he makes my skin crawl.”