Extinction Rebellion starts TOMORROW – here’s where the protests will be and what they aim to achieve
EXTINCTION Rebels continue to hit the headlines with a range of eye-catching stunts.
But who are the environmental activists, what do they want and where are they protesting in the UK? Here’s the latest.
What’s the latest with Extinction Rebellion?
The Metropolitan Police confirmed seven women and three men were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.
The arrests took place in Cleaver Street, after officers broke their way into the former Lambeth County Court building which the protesters had used to store supplies for a fortnight of protest.
Members of Extinction Rebellion said police confiscated six vehicles as well as gazebos, portable toilets and bean bags – and have since claimed that the arrests were pre-emptive.
And on Thursday, October 3 bungling Extinction Rebellion eco-warriors covered themselves in fake blood as they used a fire engine to spray 400 gallons of red liquid on the Treasury’s Westminster headquarters.
But the stunt backfired as activists misjudged the pressure of the fire hose and let it drop to the ground before showering themselves as they tried to regain control.
Police arrived at the scene shortly after the farcical scenes unfolded, with three men and one woman arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Where will the protests be?
The eco-warriors have revealed plans to “shut down” the country’s capital for a fortnight, as a 30,000 strong mob plans demonstrations throughout mid-October.
The group have peaceful protests planned for Westminster from October 7 for around 14 days.
The group also aims to shut down roads and stage a sit-in at London City Airport, among other demonstrations.
On its website, the group states: “Take two weeks off work, bring your family and friends and join us in the streets for a one time only ‘chance of life.’
“We cannot do this alone, everybody counts and we need everyone to join us, now.”
What are they aiming to achieve?
The group say they will “shut down” Westminster with their fortnight-long central London protests.
The protests are part of “international rebellion” which aims to cause nonviolent disruption in 60 cities across the world.
On their website they write: “The International Rebellion is intended to pressure governments to meet Extinction Rebellion’s demands.
“These actions vary from country to country, but at their core include the same fundamental demands, these are: that governments and other institutions must tell the truth and declare a Climate and Ecological Emergency, must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025 and must create and be led by the decisions of Citizens’ Assemblies on climate and ecological justice.
“These are the key principles that unite activists across the planet.”
Who are Extinction Rebellion?
Extinction Rebellion describes itself as a non-violent direct action and civil disobedience group.
Its eco-warriors have demanded that the Government declares a climate emergency.
They want politicians to take urgent action on climate change and wildlife declines.
In particular, the activists want the UK to reduce its carbon emissions to “zero by 2025” and do more to “remove the excess of atmospheric greenhouse gases”.
On April 15, the environment “rebels” launched a range of attention-grabbing tactics to gain headlines, and prompt politicians into taking action to “avoid irreversible climate change and ecological collapse”.
The activists brought parts of busy London to a standstill with widespread demonstrations.
They blocked busy routes around Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, Parliament Square and Waterloo Bridge.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.