Extinction Rebellion, a campaigning group, has closed several London roads creating traffic congestion across the capital. Staring at 11 am, the ‘International Rebellion’ has caused blockages at Oxford Circus and Marble Arch, as well as targeting the headquarters of Shell.
Coordinated action over 80 cities in more than 33 countries is reported to have occurred as the activists call on governments to take decisive action on the climate and ecological emergency. In London, the protests have already resulted in damage to the Shell buildings at Waterloo.
Simon Bramwell, co-founder of Extinction Rebellion defended the actions, saying: “It’s clear as day that we need to protect our communities, our rapidly vanishing nature and it’s just as clear that companies like Shell are responsible. They must be held accountable. We are trying to prevent crimes against humanity through our actions.”
The group’s website notes that the movement is peaceful and nonviolent, but that intentional arrests for criminal damage will allow the group to use the courts as a public platform to broadcast its message and will attempt to utilise ‘Lawful Excuse’ as a defence that a lesser issue can be mitigated if it prevents a larger issue occurring.
Extinction Rebellion said protests will continue throughout the week.
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