Hundreds of protesters descended on Oxford Street and Regent Street on Saturday, blocking traffic as they shouted “save our planet” and “the streets, our streets.” Image: Protesters swear not to watch the climate change crisis Crowds gathered at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park before heading to the West End and then to Trafalgar Square in the afternoon. They held up banners with slogans such as “Life on Earth Dies” and “Code Red: End Fossil Fuels”. Some protesters dressed as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Chancellor Risi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel, armed with placards criticizing the government’s handling of the climate change crisis. Other posters read: “We will not be present” and warned: “We are the last generation that can save something.” Doctors and medical professionals were among the people calling on ministers to act.
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Extinction Rebellion UK wrote on Twitter: “Today, hundreds of concerned citizens are defending climate justice and the termination of fossil fuels just sitting there. “A revolt against the disappearance is in the Oxford circus, with unrest that will continue until the government responds to the crisis.” Mechanical engineer Verel Rodrigues, 27, described the situation as “terrible” and said they had no choice but to take action. “I’m sorry we are causing this trouble, but we have no choice. “If an alarm goes off because your house is on fire, you do not mind the fire alarm. It is trying to save you and we are trying to sound the alarm for what is to follow.” Image: Hundreds of protesters express their fears about fossil fuels Another attendee, Sunita Ramani, 23, from Bristol, insisted the action was justified. “We are doing this on behalf of all those who deserve to have a sustainable future full of justice.” “Persistent tactics” The protest was criticized by a passer-by, who criticized the Extinction Uprising for “obsessive tactics”. “Every day, repeatedly, they block roads, whether they are small or large,” said the man, who gave his name as Steve C. “People have stopped their children from going to school, they have prevented people from going to work and hospital appointments. It’s just unacceptable. “ London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the protest was “counterproductive” and that the protesters had to gain public opinion at the same time as putting pressure on the government. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the traffic was blocked in both directions by protesters who were sitting on the street and there were diversions. Image: Activists call on government to stop investing in fossil fuels Governor Ade Adelekan said the Met had been in contact with organizers in an effort to avoid serious unrest in London. Specialists are on hand if any protesters are stuck or locked in street furniture or constructions. Mr Adelekan said: “The Extinction Rebellion have made it clear in their public statements that they plan to take ‘mass action’ and block areas of London for as long as possible to draw attention to their case. “Everyone has the right to protest and the public understands that protest often leads to a degree of unrest. “However, the rights of the protesters must be balanced with the rights of the general public, businesses and the community.” Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:18 The entrance to the facility was blocked by two large banners, one of which read: “Stop fossil fuels now.” Extinction Rebellion described the protest as part of a “final push on a fossil fuel termination plan”. A similar action to block “areas of the city for as long as possible” is planned daily for a week or more, the team said. On Friday, two protesters closed the Tower Bridge, descending on its sides, and unfurled a huge banner reading, “Stop Fossil Fuels Now.” The bridge, a major thoroughfare on the Thames, was closed to vehicles, causing long queues. The group last week protested at an Esso facility in London, promising to be “here to stay”.
