Corbyn's brother arrested at anti-lockdown protest after claiming pandemic is 'pack of lies to brainwash you'

Piers Corbyn, the elder brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, has just been arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park.

The 73-year-old astrophysicist was among dozens of people who gathered this afternoon for a demonstration for "freedom".

In a widely-circulated video, Corbyn can be seen giving a speech on Speaker's Corner, saying:

What they're telling us in a pandemic is a pack of lies to brainwash you and keep you in order!

Corbyn reportedly also made claims that 5G was linked to coronavirus – a widely debunked conspiracy theory which has been spreading across social media in recent months – and said that “vaccination is not necessary”.

He is among six protesters who were arrested amid boos and cries of "fascism" from other demonstrators.

Piers's view stands in stark contrast to his brother Jeremy, who stated last month that lockdown was the "right response" to the pandemic.

This is not the only issue on which the two Corbyn's disagree – Piers is a vocal climate change denier, although he supported his brother's Labour leadership bid.