United Kingdom

XR takes over central London bridges, stopping the capital

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Xtinction Rebellion blocked several central London bridges, stopping traffic.

Activists marched on Westminster Bridge, Lambeth Bridge and London Bridge on Friday to protest the government’s response to climate change.

Protesters also disrupted traffic on the Waterloo Bridge on Friday afternoon.

The group said: “We will revolt for life as long as the government acts as a climate emergency and does not put an end to all new oil and gas.”

Activists could be seen playing bongos and waving banners reading “stop fossil fuels now” and “love in action” as they faced traffic queues for a long time.

Protesters on Westminster Bridge

/ PA

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We are aware of a number of demonstrations that are taking place today. We see pockets of protests causing delays and disturbances in central London.

“A police operation has been carried out and officers are on the scene and working to control the strike.

This comes after Just Stop Oil activists were arrested after a wave of protests began at three oil terminals in early raids.

Protesters said they arrived in the early hours of Friday at the Kingsbury terminal near Tamworth, Staffordshire, as well as the Navigator Oil terminal in Thurrock and the Grays oil terminal, both in Essex.

Earlier, Extinction Rebellion went to Charing Cross Police Station to demand the release of one of their scientists, who was arrested before the government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Emma Smart, a marine biologist, is reportedly on hunger strike and refusing water after being denied bail before Saturday’s hearing.

Smart, along with eight other scientists, have been accused of criminal damage after allegedly sticking scientific papers in the government building and sticking to the glass facade.

Elsewhere, activists marched along the paths of the Marble Arch, carrying a banner reading “Love in Action.”

In Essex, Just Stop Oil activists in orange jackets sat on top of oil tankers and blocked roads while holding signs.

Warwickshire police said 12 arrests had been made on Friday morning, with officers also at the scene of the Essex incident.

(Just stop the oil / PA)

/ PA

Warwickshire police said: “Officers are staying at the Kingsbury oil terminal today and are currently engaged in protests after a number of protesters arrived overnight.

“It currently has minimal impact on the wider community.”

Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion activists have blocked access to oil terminals, urging the government to suspend new oil and gas projects.