Extinction Rebellion London protests LIVE: XR activists descend on capital as two weeks of climate rallies begin TODAY
Environmental activism group Extinction Rebellion have a launched a fresh two weeks of climate protests across London from TODAY.
The climate change group - which brought London to a standstill in 2019 - says thousands will take part in their “Impossible Rebellion”, which plans to “target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis”.
Activists began congregating in Traflagar Square from 10am this morning - and demonstrations are scheduled in central locations including St James’ Park, Piccadilly Circus - as well as further events in both north and south London.
In a statement, the group said: “Beginning on Monday August 23, Extinction Rebellion will take to the streets again, with plans to disrupt the City of London to target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis - the political economy.”
The Metropolitan Police said a “significant” operation would be put in place to manage the protests over the busy bank holiday weekend, but acknowledged the activists’ “important cause”.
Read our Extinction Rebellion protests blog below for the latest updates...
PLANNED ACTION TIMELINE FROM EXTINCTION REBELLION FOR THIS WEEK
- Tues 24th Aug 10am – St James Park
- Tues 24th Aug 11am: London Bridge
- Tues 24th Aug 4.30pm – Cavendish Square Gardens
- Wed 25th Aug 10am – Brazilian Embassy
- Wed 25th Aug 11.30am – Piccadilly Circus
- Fri 27th Aug 12pm – Bank of England
- Sat 28th Aug 12.30pm – Smithfield Market
- Sat 28th Aug 12pm – Brixton Market
- Sun 29th Aug 11.30am – Ducketts Common
PROTESTERS ARE MARCHING WITH SIGNS
Many of the protesters have turned up with signs and banners.
One reads "Stop the harm".
Whilst another read "System change, not climate change."
WHAT HAVE THE POLICE SAID?
The Metropolitan Police said a “significant” operation would be put in place to manage the protests over the busy bank holiday weekend, but acknowledged the activists’ “important cause”.
STATEMENT FROM EXTINCTION REBELLION
In a statement, the group said: “Beginning on Monday August 23, Extinction Rebellion will take to the streets again, with plans to disrupt the City of London to target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis - the political economy.”
DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE ONGOING
Activists began congregating in Traflagar Square from 10am this morning - and demonstrations are scheduled in central locations including St James’ Park, Piccadilly Circus - as well as further events in both north and south London.
WHAT ARE THEIR AIMS?
The protests are taking place in an attempt to demand the government to divest from fossil fuel companies.
On their website they ask "For the government to implement our new immediate demand: 'Stop all new fossil fuel investment immediately'."
ACTIVISTS ALREADY CAUSING DISRUPTION
It is understood that activists from extinction rebellion have already cause disruption today.
They have already built a large structure on long acre in Covent Garden, one of the busiest junctions.
PREVIOUS PROTESTS
Previous XR protests have seen activists armed with hammers smash the glass at the Barclays Bank HQ in London.
In April, seven activists from the controversial group used tools to break the glass and pasted the message "In Case of Climate Emergency Break Glass" on the front of the building.
And in October 2019, bungling activists attempted to spray fake blood at the Treasury from a fire extinguisher before losing control of the hose and letting the red paint pour across the London street.
Other demonstrations have seen activists create bamboo blockades outside newspaper printing presses in a bid to muzzle the media.
And protesters even hijacked the Cenotaph commemorating Britain's fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day, adding "climate change: act now" banners.
EXTINCTION REBELLION DEMANDED PEOPLE TO TURN UP IN SUPPORT EARLIER TODAY
DRUMMERS ON ROUTE TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE
HEAVY POLICE PRESENCE IN TRAFALGAR SQUARE
There is currently a heavy police presence in Trafalgar Square at the moment.
The protest aim to cause disruption to gain attention to their campaign.
TWO WEEKS OF DEMONSTRATIONS KICK OFF TODAY
The environmental campaign group are gearing up to begin two weeks of demonstrations today.
They have said that thousands of people are set to take part in their 'Impossible Rebellion'.
The plan is to “target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis”.