MP Harriett Baldwin said her West Worcestershire constituents were “furious” to see people taking part in protests which go against the Government’s coronavirus social distancing rules, when she spoke in the House of Commons on Monday.

Her address followed gatherings which took place in over the weekend to pay respects to George Floyd, the unarmed American who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis.

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However, she stressed a Malvern gathering had abided by the rules.

Speaking to the Worcester News she said: “Local people have made huge sacrifices to follow the rules and observe social distancing regulations in order to slow the spread of this terrible virus during the global pandemic.

“As a democrat, I fully support people’s rights to protest.

“I understand a very moving and socially distant Black Lives Matter protest took place in Malvern.

“What upsets people is when they see protesters gathering tightly together, putting our NHS at risk.

“It is crucial for public health that all gatherings respect the two metre rule and protest lawfully and peacefully.”

Attendees who ‘took a knee’ in Malvern re-iterated said social distancing was observed at the protest.

Sophie Croft said: “We practised social distancing at all times.

“Organisers were very vocal about everyone keeping socially distant with those we do not live with.

“We were protesting for basic human rights and should not be ripped apart as someone who attended the protest to show my support for black rights.”

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said anti-racism protests risk increasing the spread of the “vile” coronavirus due to a lack of social distancing, saying it was a mistake for people to join demonstrations which breached the rules.

Mr Hancock added: “Instead we should all be acting to do our bit to reduce that spread.”