More than 500 Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested in London as they continue two weeks of demonstrations demanding urgent government action on climate change.
Organisers have blockaded key sites in central London including Westminster Bridge, Trafalgar Square and the roads outside Downing Street with some gluing and chaining themselves to roads and vehicles.
Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has also shut down Smithfield Meat Market by replacing butchery stalls with organic fruit and vegetables.
It comes as Boris Johnson dismissed Extinction Rebellion as “uncooperative crusties” who should stop blocking the streets of the capital with their “heaving hemp-smelling bivouacs”.
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The figures, dressed in red cloaks and white painted faces, did not move for several minutes as audio of Greta Thunberg was played over a PA system.
A crowd of activists crouched behind them, some of whom became emotional. As the figures departed, they cheered and began to dance.
The road had been cordoned off by officers earlier on Tuesday morning after an activist van was parked diagonally across it.
"As a doctor, I’m bound by good clinical practice to hold human life with the utmost respect, to practice from a scientific evidence base, and to act promptly when patient safety may be compromised," writes Rita Issa.
Protesters plan 'Hong-Kong style occupation' of London City airport
Extinction Rebellion has revealed plans to stage a "Hong Kong-style occupation" of London City airport on Thursday.
The climate activists plan to begin the shutdown at 9am and intend to occupy the departure and arrival lounge for three days. If that fails the group says it will occupy the DLR station and the road outside the terminal.
In a message announcing the protest, the group said: "Our biggest action of the rebellion starts in less that 48 hours. On Thursday 10th from 9am we will peacefully occupy City Airport terminal.
"Over 100 rebels are coming already including several co-founders of XR. This is going to be HUGE!!!
The protester, who gave his name as Rob, 28, was laid on top of the trailer with an Extinction Rebellion flag.
Activists were following as he was carried by the officers, chanting "power to the people" and clapping.
Hundreds of protesters are sat at either side of the police blockade, where a few tents from last night's camp out are still pitched.
"I want to make a statement that (the activists) are all different sorts of people from all different walks of life, not just people you would call hippies."
On being arrested, he said: "We will decide as a group when we are going to move, and we are not going to let police tell us when.
"I would not like to get arrested, but if that happens when I am exercising my right to protest and deliver a good life for my children, then I will take it on the chin."
"But because of the urgency of climate change, we need to put aside Brexit. No-one can agree on it, the country is 50/50 split, so let's put that aside and let's concentrate on the main issue, and that's climate change."
