Thousands of people are expected to take part in their ‘Impossible Rebellion’ climate protest which plans to “target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis”. Theatrical demonstrations are scheduled in central London locations including Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and St James’ Park over the next two weeks. The protests will emulate those seen in 2019 but will be carried out in more locations including both north and south London.
Protesters have already descended on Trafalgar Square this morning and the group say disruption will continue until the Government agrees to stop all new fossil fuel investments.
In a statement, the group said: “Beginning on Monday August 23, Extinction Rebellion will take to the streets again, with plans to disrupt the City of London to target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis – the political economy.”
The environmental campaign group has been emboldened by a series of victories in court which saw activists successfully appeal convictions for previous disruptive stunts.
The Metropolitan Police have acknowledged the importance of the activists’ cause but will launch a “significant” operation to control the unruly protests over the coming days.
On the upcoming protests, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “We’ve got a significant operation in place lead by an experienced command team to effectively provide a proportionate response to what is going to be a protracted demonstration over two weeks.
“We understand why this is such an important cause, no one is oblivious to that, what we don’t want is for people who are protesting to impact on the rights of others.
“We don’t want serious disruption caused to London – the August bank holiday is one of the busiest of the year and we know this will mean officers are extracted from their local boroughs and brought into the centre of London to deal with this protest.”
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