More than 60 activists took to the streets of central London as early as 7 a.m. Tuesday to stress the group’s demand that the market stop insuring fossil fuel projects. A Lloyd’s spokeswoman said: “Lloyd’s supports a secure and constructive commitment to climate change and we continue to work to support a responsible transition. Image: Extinction Rebellion activists unfurl a banner next to the Lloyds “In the interests of the safety of our people, we have advised Corporation employees and market participants not to come to the building today. “The market remains open and transactions continue online using our remote capabilities.” The latest protest comes as the government faces calls for “national safeguards” after a separate group of climate protesters cut off fuel supplies to the suburbs. Hundreds of people have been detained since Just Stop Oil and affiliated activists launched their operation on April 1 – with more than 350 arrested in Grace, Essex alone, amid police allegations of “extremely dangerous” tactics by activists. As of noon on Tuesday, London police had said no arrests had been made and that police were working to “facilitate a peaceful protest”. Image: Extinction Rebellion activists block entrance to Lloyds, London Commander Umer Khan, from the force, said: “Police are working with key partners and working with Lloyd’s to facilitate a peaceful protest and provide an appropriate response.” The XR said people had also escalated outside the building and unfurled banners reading “Stop Fossil Fuels Now” and “Ensure Climate Justice”. The action comes after Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion activists closed the Tower Bridge for several hours last Friday morning. The police were invited to the bridge after the protesters occupied the famous landmark and revealed a green banner with black writing he wrote: “Finish fossil fuels now”. Image: Extinction Rebellion activists dressed as cleaners speak to a police liaison Commenting on Tuesday’s protest, XR spokeswoman Clare Walmsley said: “We are here to demand an end to all new investment in fossil fuels and insurance. “By undertaking the deadliest fossil fuel projects in the world, they are creating climate chaos – floods, famine, fires and death.”
