Extinction Rebellion latest: Climate change protests set to continue into second week after at least 1,309 arrests

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Jacob Jarvis13 October 2019

Extinction Rebellion's mass climate change protests are set to continue into a second week.

At least 1,309 arrests have been made at demonstrations across London in the first seven days.

Activists have blocked off roads, held a faux funeral procession, tried to "shut down" City Airport and glued themselves to buildings.

The arrests in the latest action have surpassed the total number from similar protests in April, as the group bids to push the Government to act more swiftly on climate change.

Police have told protesters to keep their actions within Trafalgar Square
AP

Extinction Rebellion's website outlined two weeks of action, starting from last Monday, with a vow to "occupy the centres of power and shut them down until governments act on the Climate and Ecological Emergency".

Extinction Rebellion in the UK is calling on the Government to:

  • Declare a climate and ecological emergency.
  • Act immediately to halt wildlife loss and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2025.
  • Create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens' Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

The group suggested the London action, part of a worldwide movement, could be five times the size of that in April, with thousands more people said to be prepared to face arrest.

Activists have been ordered to contain their actions to Trafalgar Square or face arrest.

The group marches through London (REUTERS)
Reuters

Despite this, large crowds gathered outside New Scotland Yard on Sunday to speak about issues they saw with the treatment of disabled protesters.

Images showed a number of them being led away by police.

Police carry away a tent from an XR protest in Trafalgar Square
Nigel Howard

A Scotland Yard spokesman said a new arrest figure was set to be issued on Monday morning.

On Saturday, thousands of Extinction Rebellion protesters marched through Oxford Street, in what they called a funeral march to express their grief and rage over climate change.

Carrying skeletons, a large skull and a banner saying "Act Now", the protesters marched to mark the middle weekend of a two-week campaign of civil disobedience.

"We unite in grief, rage and love for life on Earth," the organisers said on social media.

Protesters were still in Trafalgar Square on Sunday night and members said they were blocking a road in the area.

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