Extinction Rebellion protest – live: Activists bring parts of London to a standstill and paint the bank

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UK: Extinction Rebellion protesters march across London for the fourth day in a row

Hundreds of Extinction Rebellion activists have blocked roads in parts of London as they gathered to demand action on the climate crisis.

Activists, who are organizing the fifth day of protests that are set to last another week, are targeting financial institutions in London, starting with a “blood money” march.

Organizers of the “Impossible Rebellion” have called for a halt to all investments in fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gases when burned.

In city suits, protesters painted London’s iconic Guildhall Building red, spraying it on buildings including Standard Chartered Bank and outside the London Stock Exchange.

Tonight, the group blocked off Queen Victoria Street near the Bank Station with bamboo structures.

View Key Points Latest Update 1630091737 Mayor of London lists ‘subversive and illegal’ protests

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that the protests are diverting police resources from other parts of the city.

“I share with those who have taken to the streets their passion to highlight the urgent need to tackle the climate crisis,” he said in a statement.

Preventing and reducing violent crime must be a priority for the police. This is why we want to keep the police presence at any protests in central London to a minimum so our frontline officers can focus on suppressing violence, tackling crime and keeping Londoners safe.”

He continued, “In addition to potentially diverting police resources at a vital time, I am concerned that continued disruptive and illegal protests could derail the green recovery of our city and, ultimately, risk turning public opinion against a vitally important campaign.

“I have always supported the democratic right to protest, and I urge anyone planning to protest this weekend for banks to fully cooperate with the police and operate safely, securely and legally at all times.”

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 20:15

1630091115 Thousands of additional officers will monitor the work of the weekend

Police say they are preparing to deploy thousands of additional officers to the capital over the bank weekend to oversee more climate protests and other planned events.

Mit’s group said they were forced to request a “small number” of additional officers from neighboring forces for support.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “As we approach the weekend, we are ready to respond to a number of different demonstrations by protest groups, including the Extinction Rebellion.

In the past week, officers have worked hard to balance the rights of protesters and those of the community. However, on many occasions the actions of the protesters have become unreasonable and have caused or attempted to cause serious disruption to the public and businesses.

“Activists have thwarted the police response with complex locking devices that take time for officers to remove safely.”

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 20:05

1630090537 says dead

Police said they considered it “totally unacceptable” to use paint to deface London landmarks.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Like everyone else, the Extinction Rebellion movement has the right to assemble and protest, but this is a conditional right, and they have no right to cause serious and unreasonable disruption to others.

“The unreasonable disruption caused by the Extinction Rebellion, particularly as London continues to recover from the pandemic, is deeply frustrating, especially for communities that will see local officers drawn into central London in response.”

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 19:55

1630089937 Addressing inequality, says Black Lives activist

Marvina Newton, founder of United for Black Lives, who led the speeches and march, told The Independent: “We are saying we need to decolonize the economy.

And the only way we can do that is by telling the truth, creating powerful organizations of how colonialism and capitalization affect marginalized and underprivileged communities, mostly from the Global South.

“By working with our allies, United for Black Lives Matter, and working with BLM Green, we can come together to address these inequalities.”

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 19:45

1630089037 More than 300 people were arrested this week

Officers said police arrested 305 Extinction Rebellion protesters this week.

XR said: “When the government calls for an end to new investment in fossil fuels, we will stop shutting down the capital.”

Protesters say a system based on fossil fuels is killing the planet.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Jane Dalton August 27, 2021 19:30

Police warn protesters of arrests

The police began to pass through the crowds, sounding alarms.

They are telling protesters they may start issuing an Article 14 order – allowing officers to impose conditions if they believe there will be serious public disturbance or serious damage to property or activities.

Police say people will be arrested as soon as the order is issued.

Jane Dalton August 27, 2021 19:14

1630087117

There was some shoving and shoving between the police and the protesters, who camped out at the Mansion House intersection.

(Celine and Adahra)

Jane Dalton, August 27, 2021, 18:58

1630086337 Give the Queen a break and meet our demands, XR told President Cop26

Talks chair Alok Sharma announced that the Queen will attend the COP26 climate talks in November.

But in a sarcastic response, Extinction Rebellion asked Sharma to “give Her Majesty a break”.

“Great idea!” They wrote. “We know that unless you ban all new fossil fuel investment now, COP26 is going to be a truly royal right, so you can also make it official. Or meet our demands now, and give Her Majesty a breather.”

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 18:45

1630084703 Traffic is blocked as activists climbed a large building

Protesters blocked Cannon Street outside Mansion House Station, leaving traffic unable to cross the road intersection.

Hundreds of people, some beating drums, others in fancy costumes or waving flags, made their way there, under the watch of large numbers of police officers.

They erected and climbed a large bamboo structure.

Jane Dalton Aug 27, 2021 18:18

1630083337 “blood” poured into the stock exchange

Fake blood was poured outside the London Stock Exchange and activists danced peacefully in the red liquid.

(Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Jane Dalton, August 27, 2021 at 17:55

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