Stroud District Council has refused permission for a 'freedom rally' to take place in Stratford Park next month.

Anti-lockdown campaigner Piers Corbyn was scheduled to speak at the event on November 7.

A SDC spokeswoman said: “Stroud District Council has refused permission to hold a rally in Stratford Park on November 7 due to the current Covid restrictions.

"The council plays an important part in trying to keep Covid-19 infections down in the Stroud district, therefore a gathering of large numbers is not acceptable.”

Mr Corbyn, who is the the brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, was one of 19 people arrested during a protest against the coronavirus lockdown in May.

He was taken away after proclaiming 5G and the coronavirus pandemic were linked, calling it a “pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order”.

Mr Corbyn has denied two counts of contravening coronavirus rules to attend protests at London’s Hyde Park on May 16 and 30.

Mr Corbyn’s barrister told a court last week that his client was “specifically targeted” by police at anti-lockdown protests and there was a “politicisation in the enforcement of the regulations”.

Ben Cooper QC also told Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, October 23, that Mr Corbyn was “very much on the radar” of officers patrolling London’s Hyde Park in May.

Mr Corbyn was due to stand trial last week but issues with late disclosure of police log books delayed proceedings.

He is due to stand trial on February 8.