Great Reopening

[[File:QuinnBlakey.jpg|thumb|right|165px|The emblem on the upper left is one version of the Freeman family coat of arms, an apparent nod to "freemen of the land".]]
{{pseudolaw}}{{cquote|Some think they can opt out of law in the same way that some people think they can opt out of science and vaccines.|||Ellie Cumbo, The Law Society<ref name=bbcnews060321>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/56295261 Covid lockdown: Why Magna Carta won’t exempt you from the rules] by Alistair Coleman (6 March 2021) ''BBC News''</ref>}}{{cquote|It is the self-righteous person’s legal equivalent of shouting, “Don’t want to!”|||Robert Shrimsley, Financial Times<ref name=ftmagazine051120>[https://archive.ph/nBvKQ Magna Carta offers no way to get out of lockdown] by Robert Shrimsley (5 November 2020) ''FT Magazine''</ref>}}

The '''Great Reopening''' was a [[Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument Schemes in the United Kingdom|pseudolegal anti-lockdown scheme]] spread on social media in late 2020 in which small business owners and managers across the UK opened their premises to customers in contravention of COVID-19 lockdown regulation.<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9196577/Anti-lockdown-campaigners-push-illegal-Great-Reopening-shops-businesses-TOMORROW.html Anti-lockdown campaigners backed by Piers Corbyn and David Icke push for illegal 'Great Reopening' of shops and businesses from TOMORROW despite Covid rules - as police threaten 'ultimate action' against flouters] (29 January 2021) ''MailOnline''</ref> The group behind the scheme initially encouraged defiance based upon a misinterpretation of [[Magna Carta#lawful rebellion|Clause 61]] of the [[Magna Carta]], and provided a [[Pseudolaw | pseudolegal]] notice to be displayed proclaiming the individual's "right to enter into lawful dissent" and declaring the business "under the jurisdiction of common law".<ref name=bbcnews060321 /> Although, upon consultation with an actual lawyer, this advice was later retracted, many went ahead with it regardless. These arguments in modern times are generally restricted to proponents of [[Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument Schemes in the United Kingdom|Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument (OPCA) schemes]] such as [[freeman on the land]] and [[sovereign citizens]].<ref name=bbcnews060321 /> The campaign was supposed to culminate in a, well, great reopening on January 30<sup>th</sup>, 2021, but only 70 business actually signed up and those either never opened or were quickly shuttered by the authorities.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/apr/08/among-covid-sceptics-we-are-being-manipulated-anti-lockdown Among the Covid sceptics: ‘We are being manipulated, without a shadow of a doubt’] by Samira Shackle (8 April 2021) ''The Guardian''</ref>

==Does Magna Carta mean nothing?==
Social media posts claiming Clause 61 of the Magna Carta gave people the right to lawfully dissent or rebel against unjust governance, were quickly debunked by ''Full Fact'''s Claire Milne, who clarified: 

{{quotebox|The original version of Magna Carta granted powers to “assail” the monarch and “seek redress” to 25 barons in order to keep the provisions of the Magna Carta, but these powers were not granted to the population at large. Within a year of being written, this clause was removed from subsequent versions of Magna Carta. It was never incorporated into English statutory law.<ref>[https://fullfact.org/online/did-she-die-in-vain/ “Article 61” of Magna Carta doesn’t allow you to ignore Covid-19 regulations] by Claire Milne (3 November 2020) ''Full Fact''</ref>}}

Commentator Robert Shrimsley suggests that [[motivated reasoning]] is at work, with individuals who do not like a particular law and think it shouldn't apply to them, but with no actual legal defence, settling on Magna Carta as an excuse.<ref name=ftmagazine051120 /> Such cases, according to The Law Society's Ellie Cumbo, often arise from ignorance of the legal system, compounded by poor advice found online.<ref name=bbcnews060321 /> Journalist Hussein Kesvani confirms social media, especially Facebook, are to blame with viral videos of business owners citing Magna Carta to police officers hashtaged #knowyourrights and #donotconsent.<ref name=guardian031120>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/jan/02/english-magna-carta-lockdown-covid-laws-online There’s a darker side to English businesses citing Magna Carta to defy lockdown] by Hussein Kesvani (3 November 2020) ''The Guardian Opinions''</ref>

Citing Magna Carta plays to some individual's puffed-up sense of being the true defenders of the nation, notes Shrimsley.<ref name=ftmagazine051120 /> On far-right social media, Kesvani adds, Magna Carta is invoked as a rallying cry against the government and the elites.<ref name=guardian031120 /> Cumbo agrees that the embrace of such "alternative" legal concepts parallels the rejection of "elitist" scientific expertise which accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name=bbcnews060321 /> The promise of freedom, security and fixity during pandemic chaos could bring such discontents into dangerous politics, warns Kesvani.<ref name=guardian031120 />

It's important to distinguish between those engaged in willful defiance of supposedly "unjust" laws passed by perceived "elites", and those who due to a lack of basic legal knowledge, exacerbated by bad online advice, get swept along by the wrong idea about how law works, Cumbo concludes.<ref name=bbcnews060321 /> Equally important, Kesvani notes, is not to dismiss these seemingly ridiculous people, as they are desperate and prone to exploitation by dubious groups.<ref name=guardian031120 /> In the US, protestors carry guns and display "Live Free or Die" bumper stickers, concludes Shrimsley, so merely sticking up pictures of the Magna Carta and moaning about face masks is a small mercy to be grateful for.<ref name=ftmagazine051120 />

==Open and shut cases==
The press reported on the owners and managers of a number of small business who quickly found themselves in legal trouble for following this scheme.

===Sinead Quinn===
[[File:SineadQuinn.jpg|thumb|right|165px|This fictitious character shouldn't be allowed sharp objects.]]{{cquote|I am not breaking the law.|||Sinead Quinn, Owner of Quinn Blakey<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/defiant-hair-salon-boss-refuses-19254523 Defiant hair salon boss refuses to close and says 'I am not breaking the law'] by Andrew Robinson (10 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}}{{cquote|Under [[common law]], operating my business is not breaking the law.|||Sinead Quinn, Owner of Quinn Blakey<ref name=yorkshirelive111120>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/salon-owner-facing-bigger-punishment-19263012 Salon owner facing bigger punishment after opening AGAIN despite £1k fine] by Andrew Robinson (11 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}} 

'''Sinead Quinn''' {{lived|August 1991}}<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/-7h-zw4H16uGodwxiCMou0d54mU/appointments Sinead QUINN] ''Companies House''</ref> is a "selfish and irresponsible"<ref name=yorkshirelive140521>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bradford-hairdresser-sinead-quinns-staggering-20591853 Bradford hairdresser Sinead Quinn's staggering cost to taxpayer throughout Covid-19 pandemic] by Kristian Johnson (14 May 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> hairdresser and owner of the '''Quinn Blakey''' hairdressing salon in Oakenshaw, West Yorkshire, who defied [[COVID-19]] lockdown regulations as part of the scheme, wasting over fifty hours of Kirklees Council time in the process,<ref name=yorkshirelive140521 /> and went on to engage in a variety of increasingly bizarre anti-lockdown and [[conspiracy theorist]] behaviour as the hairspray withdrawal started getting to her.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/rebel-hairdresser-sinead-quinns-most-22322735 Rebel hairdresser Sinead Quinn's most outrageous moments of 2021 from bizarre court letter to Instagram rants] by Connor Teale (30 December 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> She was one of a number of business owners and managers who thought they could keep their businesses open by displaying a notice proclaiming their "right to enter into lawful dissent" and declaring the business "under the jurisdiction of common law" based on a misunderstanding of [[Magna Carta#lawful rebellion|Article 61 of the Magna Carta]]. Such arguments in modern times are generally restricted to proponents of [[Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument Schemes in the United Kingdom|Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument (OPCA) schemes]] such as [[freeman on the land]] and [[sovereign citizens]].<ref name=bbcnews060321>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/56295261 Covid lockdown: Why Magna Carta won’t exempt you from the rules] by Alistair Coleman (6 March 2021) ''BBC News''</ref> As of last reporting on May 24<sup>th</sup>, 2022, she owes £8,436 in unpaid court-ordered costs and fines.<ref name=yorkshirelive240524>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/defiant-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-still-24045191 Defiant hairdresser Sinead Quinn still hasn't paid £8,436 lockdown fines handed out nine months ago] by Andrew Robinson (24 May 2022) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>

====Lock it down====
[[File:SineadQuinn2.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Quinn posing proudly with her shite.]]
Quinn, by remaining open in November 2020, quickly racked up £17,000 in fines which she did not "consent" to, before the council issued a closure notice and took her to court.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/selfish-salon-owner-hit-another-19338648 'Selfish' salon owner hit with another 10k fine - taking total to 27k - after ignoring lockdown rules again] by Andrew Robinson (24 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-55057700 Covid-19: Bradford salon fined £17,000 for lockdown opening] (24 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref><ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/defiant-bradford-hairdresser-shut-down-19364620 Defiant Bradford hairdresser shut down and handed court date after Kirklees Council lose patience] by Nick Lavigueur (25 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-55121434 Covid-19: Bradford hair salon taken to court over lockdown opening] (29 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref> Accusing the authorities of "absolute harassment" and "stalking",<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bradford-salon-boss-fury-police-19342503 Bradford salon boss fury at 'police sitting outside waiting for her to break lockdown'] by Andrew Robinson (25 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> she released a video of one encounter in which she tells them:
{{Quotebox|You're speaking to my fictitious character. I am a living woman and I don't consent to any fines. I'm not entering into any contract with you or the police.<ref name=yorkshirelive111120 />}}

Magistrates finally ordered the salon to close "to prevent nuisance to members of the public and to safeguard public health" for the 36 hours until nationwide lockdown restrictions were to be lifted anyway.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/defiant-bradford-hair-salon-boss-19372686 Defiant Bradford hair salon boss who refused to shut in lockdown ordered to close - for just 36 hours] by Andrew Robinson (30 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-55134892 Covid-19: Bradford hair salon ordered to close over lockdown trading] (30 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref> Quinn, who did not attend the court, nonetheless, set up a {{wpl|GoFundMe}} stating:
{{Quotebox|By no means do I think the council will be successful in trying to extort money from me. I am simply doing this so that people don’t take it upon themselves to create a gofundme on my behalf and possibly run off with the money!<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/bradford-salon-owner-who-refused-19371560 Bradford salon owner who refused to close in lockdown launches fundraiser for legal battle] by Ben Abbiss (30 November 2020) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}}
She raised over £10,000,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/lockdown-rebel-sinead-quinn-closes-20876977 Lockdown rebel Sinead Quinn closes crowdfunding page after raising huge sum from supporters] by Andrew Robinson (22 June 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> but said this would go to her brother, business partner and fellow conspiracy theorist, Stephen's ultimately unsuccessful fight against cancer,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/sinead-quinns-emotional-christmas-tribute-22568146 Sinead Quinn's emotional Christmas tribute to 'best friend' brother who only wanted success for her] by Robert Sutcliffe (25 December 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> and, sure enough, the council had to take further legal action when the fines went unpaid,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/quinn-blakey-hairdresser-run-out-19580166 Quinn Blakey hairdresser has run out of time to pay £17k fines - and is now facing an even bigger one] by Andrew Robinson (7 January 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> finally securing a court date for August 2021.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/lockdown-defying-hairdresser-who-owes-20429346 Lockdown-defying hairdresser Sinead Quinn who owes £17,000 in fines gets court date] by Tony Earnshaw (20 April 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56828306 Covid-19: Bradford hairdresser due in court over unpaid fines] (21 April 2021) ''BBC News''</ref>

====The Great Unopening====
A court injunction was taken out in January 2021, adding another £2,455 in court costs to her tally,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/quinn-blakey-rebel-hairdresser-now-19809852 Quinn Blakey rebel hairdresser now owes Kirklees Council nearly £20,000 after being told to pay its legal bills] by Andrew Robinson (10 February 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> when Quinn threatened to flout lockdown regulations again the following year as part of "The Great Opening" campaign on social media,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bradford-salon-owner-sinead-quinn-19687020 Bradford salon owner Sinead Quinn is threatening to open on January 30 for 'The Great Opening'] by Andrew Robinson (23 January 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> and police presence on the day prevented that happening.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/great-opening-fails-quinn-blakey-19735237 Great Opening fails at Quinn Blakey Hairdressing after police patrol salon] by Charlie Wilson (30 January 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/live-quinn-blakey-hairdressing-lockdown-19733600 Police patrol Quinn Blakey Hairdressing as Great Opening plan fails - everything that happened] by Andrew Robinson (31 January 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> Despite promising "We go again Monday,"<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/defiant-quinn-blakey-salon-owner-19741674 Defiant Quinn Blakey salon owner says 'we go again' after Kirklees warns of arrest threat] by Andrew Robinson (1 February 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> she also failed to open the following day.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/quinn-blakey-salon-remains-closed-19743503 Quinn Blakey salon remains closed despite owner's 'We go again Monday' comment] by Ben Abbiss (1 February 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> The next the council heard from her, in fact, was an application for a lockdown support grant, which they rejected for, well, obvious reasons.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/kirklees-council-explains-rejected-rebel-20183659 Kirklees Council explains why it rejected rebel hairdresser's plea for Covid cash] by Andrew Robinson (16 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> Quinn took to Instagram to air her grievance over the rejection.

====Disinfluencer====
Quinn quickly embraced a her new role as an anti-lockdown influencer with 9,000 followers on Instagram, despite the platform having already threatened to suspend her account for "hate speech or symbols".<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/bradford-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-ban-19831676 Bradford hairdresser Sinead Quinn 'threatened with Instagram ban'] by Dave Himelfield (13 February 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> She promoted "The North Unites" anti-lockdown rally,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/rebel-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-urges-20044663 Rebel hairdresser Sinead Quinn urges 9,000 followers to anti-lockdown and vaccine rally] by Andrew Robinson (10 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> by fearmongering that vaccine shortages would lead to another lockdown.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bradfords-quinn-blakey-hairdresser-fears-20212102 Bradford's Quinn Blakey hairdresser fears fourth lockdown after Instagram rant about vaccine shortages] by Megan Shaw (19 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> She also posted her attendance at an anti-lockdown protest in London where she bravely fought for our freedom by wandering unmasked through a park,<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rebel-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-travels-20221392 Rebel hairdresser Sinead Quinn travels 200 miles from Bradford to join huge anti-lockdown protest in London] by Guy Bell (20 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> and responding to criticism that she was putting others' lives at risk by not wearing a mask, by refusing to wear a mask on the train journey back.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/hairdresser-sinead-quinn-refuses-wear-20223855 Hairdresser Sinead Quinn refuses to wear mask on busy train and 'spammed for killing people' hits back] by Guy Bell (21 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> 

There was more grievance mongering with a complaint that TV presenter Holly Willoughby was still allowed to get her hair done for "entertaining those brainwashed at home" while Quinn Blakey remained closed.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rebel-bradford-hairdresser-hits-out-19943287 Rebel Bradford hairdresser hits out at Holly Willoughby and Dancing on Ice over lockdown and 'brainwashed' people] by Phoebe Fuller (1 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> She encouraged her followers to leave their masks at home while rebelliously binning her {{wpl|2021 United Kingdom census|census form|.}}<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rebel-quinn-blakey-bradford-hairdresser-19984012 Rebel Quinn Blakey Bradford hairdresser bins government letter and encourages people to ditch face masks] by Megan Shaw (7 March 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> And claimed that COVID-19 regulations about pub and restaurants only serving outside were ridiculous in bad weather.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/rebel-bradford-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-20553550 Rebel Bradford hairdresser Sinead Quinn asks pubs if they will breach 'ridiculous' rules - because it's raining] by Dave Himelfield (8 May 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref> She went old school with the claim: {{Quotebox|If you know that covid restrictions are not the law, then you will know that certain other things are not law either... Like paying TAX. There is no LAW that says you have to pay tax…<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/defiant-salon-raises-over-10k-19906911 Defiant salon raises over £10,000 in crowdfunding appeal - but she hasn't paid Kirklees a penny of her fines or court costs] by Andrew Robinson (24 February 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}} She has also bought in to conspiracy theories about how we will be controlled through bank accounts and benefits unless we insist on continuing to use cash.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/health/anti-lockdown-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-20536718 Anti-lockdown hairdresser Sinead Quinn warns cash could 'disappear forever' in bizarre Instagram post] by Mellissa Dzinzi (6 May 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>

====PPEd off====
<p>Quinn Blakey finally reopened in April 2021, and Quinn celebrated by responding to concerns about her lack of a [[face mask]] or PPE from followers who clearly hadn't been paying attention, that:
{{Quotebox|No, I do not wear a mask. I do not wear any PPE. I do not wear a mask when I go out, in supermarkets&nbsp;— nothing. Because they do not work&nbsp;— do they? Otherwise we would not be in lockdown every few months.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/bradford-hairdresser-sinead-quinn-boasts-20369015 Bradford hairdresser Sinead Quinn boasts of not wearing masks or any PPE at reopened salon] by Connor Teale (12 April 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}}
This also gave her the opportunity to angrily call out Prime Minister [[Boris Johnson]] as a [[hypocrite]] when he appeared unmasked on the local campaign trail.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/rebel-bradford-hairdresser-brands-boris-20527245 Rebel Bradford hairdresser brands Boris Johnson a 'hypocrite' in angry social media rant] by Megan Shaw (5 May 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref></p>

====Court in the act====
The long-awaited court case took place at Kirklees Magistrates' Court without Quinn in attendance, as her unopened summons was returned along with a pseudolegal letter reading: {{Quotebox|Notice please find enclosed package returned unseen. The package is not correctly addressed and is not accepted.<p>It is required that the verified contract signed by us with a verified claim with the name of a man/woman as plaintiff is shown within 7 days of this notice.<p>We have no legal obligation in this matter until this is shown.<p>Who is the man/woman who has a claim in this matter? Julie Muscroft? Miss S Qamar?<p>If a fictional plaintiff continues to act without our consent he/she is liable for all costs in this matter and the same for the harm and loss caused to the woman Sinead.<p>The woman Sinead does not accept the role of defendant.<p>No contract.<p>Non-assumptive.<p>Witness&nbsp;— Paul<p>Witness&nbsp;— Sheila<p>Sinead (fingerprint)&nbsp;— autograph<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/strange-letter-sinead-quinn-sent-21302468 The strange letter Sinead Quinn sent to court as she refuses to turn up for hearing over Covid breaches] by Andrew Robinson and Ben Abbiss (13 August 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref>}}

Quinn was convicted on six counts of breaching COVID-19 regulations and four charges of obstructing a person carrying out their duty. She was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,200, with the £17,000 in fixed penalty notices dropped following the ruling.<ref>[https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/sinead-quinn-17k-fines-ordered-21303567 Sinead Quinn let off £17,000 fines but ordered to pay £8,436 for breaking lockdown rules at Quinn Blakey salon] by Andrew Robinson and Ben Abbiss (13 August 2021) ''Yorkshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-58208420 Covid-19: Bradford hairdresser found guilty of lockdown breaches] (13 August 2021) ''BBC News''</ref> As of last reporting on May 24th, 2022, the fines remain unpaid.<ref name=yorkshirelive240524 />

===Aron Walton===
[[File:AronWalton.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Walton shows exactly how many fucks he couldn't give.]]{{Cquote|We will not be locking up our studio, not at all. I encourage every business to do the same… so anyway, where’s all the parties at? Who’s game for a party Thursday?|||Aron Walton, manager of Holey Skin<ref name=bristolive021020>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-tattooist-says-open-shop-4662054 Bristol tattooist says he will open shop in lockdown and wants a 'party'] by Conor Gogarty (2 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref> }}

'''Aron Walton''' is a tattooist and former manager of the '''Holey Skin''' tattoo parlour on Gloucester Road, Bristol, [[England]] who defied [[COVID-19]] lockdown regulations as part of the scheme, racking up over £20,000 in fines and costs.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/aaron-walton-could-prosecuted-again-5785005 Aaron Walton could be prosecuted again if he does not pay Covid fine] by Conor Gogarty (14 August 2021) ''Bristol Live''</ref> He was one of a number of business owners and managers who thought they could keep their businesses open by displaying a notice proclaiming their "right to enter into lawful dissent" and declaring the business "under the jurisdiction of [[common law]]" based on a misunderstanding of [[Magna Carta#lawful rebellion|Article 61 of the Magna Carta]]. Such arguments in modern times are generally restricted to proponents of [[Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument Schemes in the United Kingdom|Organised Pseudolegal Commercial Argument (OPCA) schemes]] such as [[freeman on the land]] and [[sovereign citizens]].<ref name=bbcnews060321>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/56295261 Covid lockdown: Why Magna Carta won’t exempt you from the rules] by Alistair Coleman (6 March 2021) ''BBC News''</ref> As well as his anti-lockdown antics, he was also involved in anti-mask, anti-vax and COVID-19 denialism as part of the group Stand Up Bristol. 

====Flight risk====
A grinning Walton first came to prominence early in the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Stand Up X anti-[[Face masks|mask]] protest by streaming himself strolling unmasked around Sainsbury's explaining that face coverings were useless and taunting staff, claiming that their policy was unenforceable.<ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8557353/Anti-maskers-provoke-shop-staff-flouting-restrictions-day-introduced.html The anti-maskers provoking shop staff by flouting restrictions: Woman who boasts she 'didn't clap for the NHS' and smoker with face tattoo are among mob of rule-breakers sharing videos of themselves not covering-up in stores] by Jack Wright (24 July 2020) ''MailOnline''</ref><ref>[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8611849/Moment-megaphone-wielding-anti-mask-activists-storm-Morrisons-shouting-resist-new-world-order.html Moment megaphone wielding anti-mask activists storm Morrison's and demand shoppers 'resist the new world order' and take off their face-coverings that are 'so bad' for them] by Dan Sales (10 August 2020) ''MailOnline''</ref> His local branch Stand Up Bristol cited the Magna Carta in a threat to "seize public buildings" if Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees did not respond to their accusations of "treason" for his support for lockdown.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/covid-deniers-what-going-through-4519966 Covid-deniers: What is going through the heads of people who think coronavirus isn't real] by Conor Gogarty (19 September 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

Walton was contacted by [[NHS]] Test and Trace in September after three passengers on an EasyJet flight he had been on from Zante, [[Greece]] to Bristol Airport tested positive for COVID-19. He responded on social media, "I do not recognise this name, and I do not consent." When contacted by the local media he explained, "[[Do your own research|I research for myself]] and make my own conscious choices," "I do not believe anything the [[MSM]] or the Government have to say."<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/tattooist-ignores-nhs-after-being-4500055 Tattooist ignores NHS after being on easyJet flight to Bristol Airport where passengers had coronavirus] by Conor Gogarty (9 September 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref> He continued to attend his business unmasked and once again questioned the efficacy of masks, as everyone except him on the flight was wearing one; he, of course, is exempt because wearing one causes the brave little soldier "severe distress".<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-tattooist-continues-ignore-nhs-4504957 Bristol tattooist continues to ignore NHS after being on easyJet flight with Covid cases] by Conor Gogarty (11 September 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

====Lock it down====
Walton was positively giddy as lockdown approached, stating "Covid doesn't exist," that the Magna Carta is a defence to lockdown,<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-business-ignores-lockdown-staying-4672964 Bristol business ignores lockdown by staying open and says 'Covid doesn't exist'] by Conor Gogarty (6 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>  and:
{{blockquote|It’s the first time in your life someone has actually had the cheek to turn around and say you’re gonna be locked down and can’t have bonfire night, as shitty as it is anyway and what they’re celebrating.<p /> I’m gonna open the studio as normal, work as normal, tattoo my client as normal, and afterwards I’m thinking firework display or bonfire.<p /> I will not be shutting my studio, I will not be consenting to anything to do with these guidelines whatsoever.<p /> I need to settle down a bit. I’m so excited. It’s great. I’m looking forward to exercising my rights.<ref name=bristolive021020 />}} 

Sure enough Walton opened as usual, and when [[police]] and council officers arrived to serve a prohibition notice, he accused them of trespass and stated:
{{blockquote|We haven't signed any contract with you.<p /> I'm not a fictional character. I am a living man. You are not in your jurisdiction.<p /> I’m not accepting that notice. I do not consent. I do not acknowledge it. I do not wish to enter any contract with you.<ref name=bristollive091020>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/covid-deniers-gather-bristol-shop-4683634 Covid-deniers gather as Bristol shop stays open after police visit] by Conor Gogarty (9 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>}} 

Protestors from Stand Up Bristol turned up in support of Walton, with organiser Harlequin Forde<sup>!</sup> incorrectly stating, "We're here to protect Holey Skin… who is refusing to comply with Covid restrictions," and, "We agree with this because these restrictions aren’t legal… they are not law."<ref name=bristollive091020 /> 

The confrontation concluded with the officer posting the notice through the letterbox, and Walton responding, "We're not accepting that,” “It will be returned to sender," and, "Can I just point out there is{{sic}} no crimes being committed here?" He then went out to do a victory dance for the cameras of the local press.<ref name=bristollive091020 />

====Blowing it====
[[File:HoleySkin.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Well that didn't work now, did it?]][[File:HoleySkin2.jpg|thumb|right|165px|No, no, it did not.]]
Remaining open, he confirmed to police, "I haven't accepted any prohibition order. I am a living man and I do not consent," "This land is governed by consent and we do not consent," he continued by tugging on the heart strings as a father of six, before concluding, "This is not a criminal matter… I know they're getting you to do stuff, but your hands are tied."<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/covid-deniers-gather-bristol-shop-4683634 Covid-deniers gather as Bristol shop stays open after police visit] by Conor Gogarty (9 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

In another visit, Walton began an encounter he described as "perfect" by telling the "nice" officer, "I made it quite clear on my [[Instagram]] account I will be issuing £10,000 fines for any more police visits." He went on to state, "I have an affidavit of truth," before launching into a four-minute tirade about "common law," which elicited, "I did not know that was the response I was going to get," from the officer. "I really appreciate this chat and I will not be issuing you a 10 grand fine," Walton concluded.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/police-officer-tells-lockdown-breach-4695215 Police officer tells lockdown breach tattoo artist Aron Walton: 'I'll leave you to it'] by Conor Gogarty (12 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

When police and council officers returned with a warrant of entry and a locksmith, Walton told the locksmith, "Don’t blow through the hole please, you could have Covid," and said to the officers: {{blockquote|You have no wet signature from a judge. You have no authority here. You have no jurisdiction here.<p />I stand under common law. You are committing criminal offences against me right now.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/locksmith-forces-entry-aron-walton-4700163 Locksmith forces entry to Aron Walton tattoo studio Holey Skin as police guard the scene] by Conor Gogarty (13 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>}} 

Upon entering the officers arrested Walton, seized equipment and issued a £1,000 fixed penalty notice, to which Walton responded, "I do not consent, I do not accept it," but, "Leave that evidence there for me, please." The officers then de-arrested Walton and left him threatening to "bill them for the damage."<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/man-arrested-de-arrested-holey-4700922 Man arrested and de-arrested as Holey Skin tattooist Aron Walton fined] by Emma Grimshaw (13 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/aron-waltons-tattoo-studio-must-4705580 Aron Walton's tattoo studio must pay £1k as items seized from lockdown-flouting business] by Conor Gogarty (16 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref> He quickly announced his intention to reopen as soon as he sorted out his paperwork and sourced some replacement equipment.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-holey-skin-tattooist-aron-4714566 Bristol Holey Skin tattooist Aron Walton plans to reopen shop days after fine for lockdown breach] by Conor Gogarty (18 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

====Great reopening====
Holey Skin was reopened within a week, with Walton posting the Magna Carta notice in the window,<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-tattoo-shop-reopens-saying-4735013 Bristol tattoo shop reopens saying Magna Carta means it can ignore lockdown] by Conor Gogarty (25 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref> and when police and council officer arrived with a warrant and issued £200 fixed penalty notices to four people, he responded "I do not understand, I do not consent," maintained, "That warrant there has no wet signature from a judge," and accused them of "high treason," for which, he stated, "you will stand trial before a jury of the people, and which still carries the gallows".<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-tattoo-shop-raided-again-4739370 Bristol tattoo shop raided again as Aron Walton confronts officers over Magna Carta] by Conor Gogarty (26 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

====Courting disaster====
Bristol Magistrates' Court, in August 2021, sentenced Walton, in his absence, to pay over £20,000 in fines and costs for failing to comply with the closure notice and obstructing an enforcement officer.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/aaron-walton-covid-denier-who-5766015 Aaron Walton: Covid-denier who threatened to fine police must pay £20k] by Conor Gogarty (10 August 2021) ''Bristol Live''</ref> Later that month he joined an [[antivax]] mob who forced the pop-up vaccination centre in Cabot Circus shopping centre to close.<ref>[https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/news/anti-vaccine-protesters-force-vaccination-clinic-to-close/ Anti-Vaccine Protesters Force Vaccination Clinic to Close] by Martin Booth (21 August 2021) ''Bristol24/7''</ref>

Despite the shop closing and Walton moving to [[Wales]], he appeared before Bristol Magistrates' Court again in September 2023 charged with assault and a public order offences dating back to 2021 and 2022.<ref>[https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-tattooist-face-trial-two-8742628 Bristol tattooist to face trial for two alleged offences] by Tristan Cork (15 November 2020) ''Bristol Live''</ref>

===Michelle Meade-Wyatt & Damien Wyatt===
'''Michelle Meade-Wyatt''' {{lived|April 1975}}<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/OhtziO68O90UY9DqqmARadeGhlA/appointments Michelle MEADE] ''Companies House''</ref> and '''Damien Wyatt''' {{lived|September 1983|}},<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/kSTIyQbWAW_y9X1qcm9WEAS4XQA/appointments Damien Myles WYATT] ''Companies House''</ref> owners of fitness facility '''Ripped Gym''' in Harlow, Essex,<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06355688 RIPPED GYM LIMITED] ''Companies House''</ref> defied COVID-19 lockdown regulations as part of the scheme. Police, tipped off by the gym's social media posts, arrived on the first day of the UK's second lockdown, issued 10 fixed penalty notices to customers, and arrested Meade-Wyatt when she refused to cooperate, meanwhile Harlow Council issued a prohibition notice requiring the premises to close.<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/05/ripped-gym-owner-pledges-to-defy-lockdown/ Harlow’s Ripped Gym owner pledges to defy lockdown] (5 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref><ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/05/update-essex-police-arrest-ripped-gym-owner-over-covid-19-breach/ Update: Essex Police arrest Ripped Gym owner over Covid-19 breach] (5 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref><ref>[https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/owner-arrested-and-10-customers-fined-as-gym-opens-in-lockdown-9129121/ Ripped Gym owner in Harlow arrested and 10 customers fined after police find gym in use in breach of Covid-19 law] by Paul Winspear (5 November 2020) ''Bishop's Stortford Independent''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-54827358 The Ripped Gym in Harlow owner arrested after staying open in lockdown] (5 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref> Police bodycam footage of the incident, released following the trial, showed her handing officers a notice claiming the gym was operating under common law, refusing to identify herself as the owner, and stating she would not consent to the fine or answer any questions.<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2021/11/30/essex-police-release-bodycam-footage-of-ripped-gym-owners-arrest-in-harlow/ Essex Police release bodycam footage of Ripped Gym owners arrest in Harlow] (30 November 2021) ''Your Harlow''</ref><ref>[https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/19752157.essex-michelle-meade-wyatt-fined-keeping-gym-open-lockdown/ Essex: Michelle Meade-Wyatt fined for keeping gym open in lockdown] by Alex Gidden (30 November 2021) ''Essex Echo''</ref>

Meade-Wyatt appeared from custody at Southend magistrates court the following day, where she was remanded on unconditional bail with her hearing scheduled for 7 December 2020, on charges of failing to comply with coronavirus legislation<ref>[https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/18852300.woman-charged-breaching-coronavirus-rules-gym-found-open/ Woman charged with breaching coronavirus rules after gym found open] by Ellis Whitehouse (6 November 2020) ''Essex Echo''</ref><ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/06/ripped-gym-owner-charged-under-covid-19-breach/ Ripped Gym owner charged under Covid-19 breach] (6 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref><ref>[https://www.bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk/news/gym-owner-appearing-in-court-after-business-opened-in-lockdown-9129213/ The Ripped Gym owner Michelle Meade-Wyatt to appear in court charged with opening business in lockdown] by Paul Winspear (6 November 2020) ''Bishop's Stortford Independent''</ref> and the destruction of magazines to the value of £6 belonging to Essex Police.<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/14/owner-of-ripped-gym-makes-first-appearance-in-court-over-covid-breach-allegation/ Owner of Ripped Gym makes first appearance in court over Covid breach allegation] (14 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref> A socially distanced "protest workout," attended by former soap star {{wpl|Danny Walters (actor)|Danny Walters|,}} took place outside the gym the following day,<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/08/members-of-ripped-gym-take-part-in-protest-workout/ Supporters of Ripped Gym take part in “Protest Workout”] (8 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref> while the gym shared a controversial post seemingly comparing their plight to that of {{wpl|Anne Frank||.}}<ref>[https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/gym-owners-anne-frank-comparison-sparks-fury-online-024035928.html Gym owner's Anne Frank comparison sparks fury online] by Marni Dixit (9 November 2020) ''Yahoo News''</ref> Later that month Wyatt and Meade-Wyatt were arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in Liverpool.<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2020/11/16/owners-of-ripped-gym-in-harlow-arrested-at-anti-lockdown-protests-in-liverpool/ Owners of Ripped Gym in Harlow arrested at anti-lockdown protests in Liverpool] (16 November 2020) ''Your Harlow''</ref> At her 7 December hearing Meade-Wyatt plead not guilty,<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-55231291 Covid-19: Harlow gym owner faces trial for breaking lockdown rules] (8 December 2020) ''BBC News''</ref> her trial was set for 28 July 2021,<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2021/02/23/trial-date-set-for-owner-of-ripped-gym-over-covid-breach/ Trial date set for owner of Ripped Gym over Covid breach] (23 February 2021) ''Your Harlow''</ref> but this was rescheduled for November 23rd, 2021 when she made an "honest mistake" and confused the date.<ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2021/08/03/new-trial-date-set-for-harlow-gym-owner-accused-of-breaching-covid-rules/ New trial date set for Harlow gym owner accused of breaching Covid rules] (3 August 2021) ''Your Harlow''</ref> Colchester Magistrates' Court finally fined her £1,000.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-59393064 Covid-19: Harlow gym owner fined for breaking lockdown rules] (23 November 2021) ''BBC News''</ref><ref>[https://www.yourharlow.com/2021/11/24/ripped-gym-owner-given-with-1000-fine-for-breaching-covid-rules/ Ripped Gym owner given £1,000 fine for breaching Covid rules] (24 November 2021) ''Your Harlow''</ref>

===Bradley Orr===
{{cquote|I am not entering into a contract with you, I refuse to stand under you.|||Bradley Orr, Owner of Cirque-d-Play<ref name=echo010621>[https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/ex-pro-footballer-said-covid-20719118 Ex pro footballer said covid was 'make believe' and kept soft play centre open] by Christopher McKeon (1 June 2021) ''Liverpool Echo''</ref>}}

'''{{wpl|Bradley Orr}}''' {{lived|November 1982|}},<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/tC0nvmN5naRjUm8ETCdlGbeSflw/appointments Bradley James ORR] ''Companies House''</ref> former professional footballer and owner of soft play centre '''Cirque-d-Play''' in Everton,<ref>[https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/11854213 CIRQ-D-PLAY LIMITED] ''Companies House''</ref> thought that Covid-19 was "make-believe," and that he could, under "common law",<ref name=echo010621 /> ignore any law he considered "unjust".<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-57322352 Covid: Ex-footballer Bradley Orr fined for Magna Carta Covid breach] (1 June 2021) ''BBC News''</ref> A "childish" and "selfish"<ref name=echo010621 /> opinion supported by fellow former footballer {{wpl|Joey Barton}} as a fight for existence.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/joey-barton-fleetwood-town-magna-carta-conspiracy-theory-coronavirus-pandemic-b1536060.html Joey Barton appears to back conspiracy theorist citing the Magna Carta to avoid coronavirus regulations] (2 November 2020) ''The Independent''</ref> PC Alex Broadbent explained that when he visited: {{Quotebox|Orr pointed out that he had an extract from the Magna Carta on the front door of his property which he asked me to read.<ref name=echo010621 />}} Acting "in a childish manner" he claimed there was "no scientist [sic] proof around it on the government website," and that "Health Regulations 2020 were only legislations and not law and that he only listened to common law." PC Matthew Edwards explained: {{Quotebox|Despite my pleads [sic] for him to see sense and close the business, encouraging him to do so and help the NHS fight this pandemic, he was selfishly dismissive over it and acting in a childlike manner would not listen and continued to argue.<ref name=echo010621 />}} Orr, who did not respond to court summons, was convicted of two counts of contravening a prohibition notice and fined over £4,500.

===Christine Sala===
[[File:MustardSeed.jpg|thumb|right|165px|Another pseudolegal notice at The Mustard Seed]]{{cquote|What's going to happen when the truth comes out that the country and people's lives are devastated and I kept quiet. I went along with it because I was alright and my beliefs won't let me do that ever.|||Christine Sala, Owner of The Mustard Seed<ref>[https://www.itv.com/news/central/2020-11-17/christian-cafe-claimed-magna-carta-and-refused-to-close-during-lockdown Christian cafe claimed Magna Carta and refused to close during lockdown] (17 November 2020) ''ITV''</ref>}}

'''Christine Sala''', owner Christian bookshop and tearoom '''The Mustard Seed''' in Gedling, Nottinghamshire, did not believe the government's figures on COVID-19 infections and deaths, but did believe the Magna Carta gave her the right to remain open. Sala maintained that the pandemic was "politicised," "full of lies," and part of the "new world order."<ref>[https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/tearoom-using-magna-carta-reason-4696129 Bookshop and tearoom using Magna Carta as reason behind staying open during lockdown] by Andrew Topping (13 November 2021) ''Nottinghamshire Live''</ref> Believing that she was, "standing up for common law,"<ref>[https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/tearoom-quoting-magna-carta-stay-4699966 Tearoom quoting Magna Carta to stay open during lockdown fined £1,000 and told to close] by Andrew Topping (13 November 2021) ''Nottinghamshire Live''</ref> she stated: {{blockquote|I'm not doing this because I'm a rebel. I don't believe what I am doing is unlawful. I'm standing up for what is right and moral.<ref name=bbcnews151120>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-54950773 Two arrests at Christian tearoom that refuses to close] (15 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref>}} 
What this meant, is that she hosted a gathering of 40 to 50 people which resulted in a £17,000 fine, two arrests and a closure notice.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-54964978 Man charged after police called to Christian tearoom gathering] (16 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-55020957 Coronavirus: Lockdown-defying tearoom told to close] (20 November 2020) ''BBC News''</ref> Later breaches regarding serving customers inside resulted in a three-month closure notice and ten £200 fines.<ref>[https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/fines-lockdown-breaching-cafe-customers-5397900 Fines for lockdown breaching cafe as customers found inside 'without masks'] by Anna Whittaker and Peter Hennessy (10 May 2021) ''Nottinghamshire Live''</ref><ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-57069564 Covid: Further fines at lockdown-defying Christian tea room] (11 May 2021) ''BBC News''</ref> Even further breaches incurred an £11,000 fine.<ref>[https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/nottingham-news/residents-anger-christian-cafe-gedling-5621612 Residents' anger as Christian cafe in Gedling receives £11,000 fine following Covid breach] by Olimpia Zagnat (7 July 2021) ''Nottinghamshire Live''</ref> Failing on appeal Scala was finally ordered to pay around £21,000.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-63171388 Covid: Mustard Seed cafe owner faces £21,000 bill] (7 October 2022) ''BBC News''</ref>

==See also==
* [[Freeman on the land]]
* [[Sovereign citizen]]
* [[One People's Public Trust]]
* [[Direct Democracy Ireland]]
* [[Provisional Imperial Government]]
* [[Mortgage invalidity]]

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Anti-vaccination movement]]
[[Category:Conspiracy theorists]]
[[Category:COVID-19 denialists]]
[[Category:United Kingdom]]
[[Category:War on science]]

Categories: Anti-vaccination movement, Conspiracy theorists, COVID-19 denialists, United Kingdom, War on science