Extinction Rebellion protests: More than 500 arrested as police order activists to stop occupying central London
More than 500 Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested in London as they continue two weeks of demonstrations demanding urgent government action on the climate crisis.
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”.
If you want to read how the Extinction Rebellion protests happened live, please see what was our live coverage below
Boris Johnson calls activists 'crusties' in 'hemp smelling bivouacs'
Boris Johnson attacked Extinction Rebellion activists, dismissing them as “uncooperative crusties” who should stop blocking the streets of the capital with their “heaving hemp-smelling bivouacs”.
Mr Johnson also said that Margaret Thatcher was "green and revolutionary" long before Greta Thunberg at the launch of the third volume of Charles Moore’s official biography of the former prime minister.
Millbank, Whitehall and Parliament Square are still closed in both directions, TFL said. However, Lambeth Bridge has reopened in borth directions. Westminster Bridge has also reportedly been cleared.
Animal Rebellion activists shut down Smithfield Meat Market
Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, has shut down Smithfield Meat Market by replacing butchery stalls with organic fruit and vegetables.
Activists occupied the market overnight with a candlelit vigil and set up tents where they camped overnight. A banner which reads ‘Fruit and vegetable market’ has been placed at the top of the building.
Isabel Infantes/AFP via Getty Images
Isabel Infantes/AFP via Getty Images
Stalls usually filled with fresh meat have been replaced with fruit and vegetables.
It looks like protesters are leaving Smithfield Meat Market after occupying the site overnight, as Animal Rebellion asks activists to move to Westminster.
Royal Parks Half Marathon urge protesters not to ruin race
Ahead of the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, organisers of the event have asked Extinction Rebellion to allow runners to take part safely in the race.
Organisers explained how the half marathon raises nearly £50m for over 1000 charities.
In response, Extinction Rebellion said they "will do all that we can, the royal parks run is important to us and we support you.”
The hearse blocking one of the roads into Trafalgar Square remains in place after the driver attached himself to the steering wheel with a bicycle lock. Other activists also chained themselves to the wheels of the car.
One man who lay locked to the wheel of the vehicle had a picture of his two children placed next to him as he laid his head on a pink pillow.
The previous occupants have since been replaced with new activists.
One Extinction Rebellion activist at Trafalgar Square has been spotted holding a sign which reads "Boris, sort climate change first, (then) prorogue Brexit".
Glen Drake, 58, is a Brexiteer but said politicians should prioritise tackling climate change before securing a deal with the EU.
"I voted for Brexit, mainly because I don't want to be part of a federal Europe," he said.
"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."
One Extinction Rebellion activist who camped on the streets overnight wore a a suit and a flat cap to show the protest "is for everyone".
Mike Gumn, a 33-year-old NHS manager from Bristol, told PA: "I have a job, I have taken annual leave to be here. I'd rather be with my family.
"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."
Extinction Rebellion publishes 'guide to police and prisons'
Extinction Rebellion have released a "guide to police and prisons" for its activists. So far 219 protesters have been arrested in London.
"We are facing a climate emergency. The situation is drastic and urgent," the guide reads. " You might be willing to make personal sacrifices. But it is vital that you have a realistic understanding of what the outcome might be, both short and long-term..."
"Prison conditions can be grim, and the emotional impact on you and your family difficult to deal with. A criminal record could affect your ability to get work, volunteer, travel abroad and get insurance."
Met Police imposes condition of public assembly on central London protests
A condition of public assembly has been imposed on Extinction Rebellion protests in central London. This means that protesters who gather at sites other than at the pedestrianised area around Trafalgar square can face arrest.
All protesters at other sites have been asked to assemble in the pedestrianised area in Trafalgar Square.
Police say the condition does not have a time limit.
