Extinction Rebellion protests: Group apologises over Tube disruption after furious mob of commuters clash with activists
Extinction Rebellion has apologised after protesters tried to stop trains on London’s tube network, only to be fiercely attacked by a mob.
Protesters were dragged from the top of trains and attacked by angry commuters as they halted a train at Canning Town station this morning.
Dozens of commuters were seen pulling at two campaigners who climbed to the top of a tube train with a ladder before they unfurled a banner reading “Business as usual = death”.
Bystanders then began to kick one of the activists they managed to drag to the floor.
Meanwhile, another group of activists glued themselves to a DLR train at Shadwell while commuters shouted “We’re on an electric train”.
“We would...like to apologise to all those whose lives we disrupted this morning. We have spent a lot of time thinking about how best to respond,” am XR spokesperson said on Thursday afternoon.
“Extinction Rebellion remains fully committed to nonviolence. The climate and ecological emergency is the biggest threat facing us all today, and it is unfortunate that something like this has to happen for this to become ‘newsworthy’.
“That said, we are all incredibly sad at how events unfolded this morning, and are using this as an opportunity to learn and reflect as an organisation.
“Although we are pushing for disruption and civil disobedience, we are still learning how to do this in a way that does not result in violence, and that does not discriminate against hard-working individuals, especially those in communities who stand to be most affected by the climate and ecological crisis and are most vulnerable to systems of power.”
The group plans to continue its protests in central London, which have seen more than 1,600 people arrested.
If you would like to see how the protests unfolded, please see what was our live coverage below:
Protesters drag Extinction Rebellion protesters from tube train
A video shared on social media appeared to show a number of activists climbing on to a train at Canning Town station as commuters try to drag them off.
Commuters began kicking one protester who they managed to pull to the ground.
The protesters held a sign reading "Business as usual = death".
Extinction Rebellion activists are protesting at least three east London stations, British Transport Police said.
The force said on Twitter: "At this time we have three separate incidents involving Extinction Rebellion protest action at Stratford, Canning Town, and Shadwell.
"Arrests have already been made and officers are working quickly to resume services."
Part of the Jubilee line has been closed following the incident at Canning Town, TFL said. There is currently no service between North Greenwich and Stratford.
Sadiq Khan says he "strongly condemns" tube protests
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he "strongly condemns" the Extinction Rebellion protesters who have targeted the London Underground and DLR this morning, He described their action as "extremely dangerous" and "counterproductive".
British Transport Police increases patrols on London Underground
The British Transport Police said it has increased patrols on the London Underground and other rail hubs in response to the protest.
A statement read: "Shortly after 7am this morning (17/10) British Transport Police were called to simultaneous action by Extinction Rebellion at Stratford, Canning Town and Shadwell. Protesters had dangerously obstructed Jubilee Line and DLR services by either climbing on top of services or by gluing themselves to the trains.
"Four arrests have been made in connection to the Stratford and Canning Town incidents, with those detained being taken to police custody. Specialist Protest Removal Teams remain at Shadwell station, and are working to resume services as soon as possible.
"We continue to urge protesters to not target the London Underground network. This is dangerous, not only for protesters but for commuters. We have increased our patrols on the London Underground and at other rail hubs throughout London."
'If this is what it takes to make them take notice before it is too late, then this is what we must do'
A spokesperson for the protesters said that the action was necessary to make people notice the climate crisis "before it's too late".
Robin Boardman, 21, said: “We have known since at least the 1980’s that we need to change our ways or risk a climate and ecological disaster but still our Government is intent upon making matters worse. It pains me to read the reports that they knew this would happen before I was even born.
“If this is what it takes to make them take notice before it is too late, then this is what we must do. None of us want to inconvenience ordinary people. That’s why we’re doing this in the morning when it will impact business as usual, and not in the evening, when people want to get home to be with their loved ones.”
83-year-old protester says he is glued on to train 'for my granchildren'
One 83-year-old protester said he had glued himself to a DLR train for his grandchildren.
Veteran Extinction Rebellion activist Phil Kingston, added: "What we're heading towards at the moment is an increase in temperature of 3C, now that is suffering and death on an enormous scale.
Extinction Rebellion spokesperson says tube protests are 'huge own goal'
It's not just commuters who are disgruntled by the tube protests this morning, some members of Extinction Rebellion have spoken out against the demonstrations.
Fergal McEntee, a spokesperson for the group, told LBC that this morning's demonstrations were a “huge own goal.”
David Lammy: 'Are you going to disrupt cyclists next?'
Labour MP David Lammy is among those who have criticised Extinction Rebellion's protests this morning, urging the group to "take a leaf out of the Gandhi and Martin Luther King book of peaceful protest.
A spokesman for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union said: “RMT condemns any activity that compromises staff and passenger safety on London Underground.
”It is RMT members who have been caught in the middle of these grossly irresponsible actions.
“We call on Extinction Rebellion to call off their protests targeting the Tube network, which are putting RMT members in a dangerous and violent situation.”
