One of the pictures shows a protestor handing out leaflets, and in the background the entire squad of police covering the event. I understand that they told the man from McDonalds who complained to them that people had a right to demonstrate, and that it was their duty to uphold that right, so long as it was exercised within the law.

Many passers by took an interest in what was going on, some obviously approved while others stopped to argue with the demonstrators. Many of those passing were tourists, and quite a few posed for pictures in front of the banners. Some took the leaflets with them into McD's to read with their burger, and perhaps they will think more about the issues raised.

There are regular demonstrations against McDonalds in central London - check the web for details.

For the obsessively literal I'd better point out that my pictures do not show every single person taking part in the action. While I was present, around 10-15 were there and more may have turned up after I'd gone off after 45 minutes to photograph another event elsewhere in London. You can actually get a slightly wider view of the action by looking at my own website, which shortly will have a few more images from the event.