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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen & Katie-Ann Gupwell

This is when the Extinction Rebellion protesters say they're leaving Cardiff Castle

For two full days, Extinction Rebellion protesters have blocked the road outside Cardiff Castle, preventing all vehicles other than emergency services from getting through.

Members of Extinction Rebellion have been sitting on the road with a large boat as part of a series of protests being held around the UK with the aim of drawing attention to the serious problem of climate change.

The group are calling on the government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Since Monday morning, Castle Street has been shut between St John Street and Cathedral Road.

The group has also set up camp outside City Hall, where several tents have been pitched, as well as a food preparation area and toilets.

On Tuesday morning, Cardiff council warned motorists to again "avoid the city centre if possible". Bus services are also being diverted.

The protest has been peaceful, good-natured and the police have explained why they aren't making arrests .

On Monday, protesters said they would be in place for "at least three days", with Wednesday being the final day of activity.

But that's not set in stone. From speaking to the protesters, it seems that they will certainly be there on Wednesday morning, but whether they remain through the day or into Thursday is not certain.

The police presence at the site has noticeably increased through Tuesday.

How the protest looks from the walls of Cardiff Castle (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)
The protesters outside Cardiff Castle (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)

When asked about the plans for the week, protester Jenny Lampard said: "The decision as to whether we will stay or go on Wednesday has not yet been made.

"We will probably decide in the morning what we will do next.

"The original plan was for three days, but we will have a meeting on Wednesday morning to decide what we will do next.

"Tuesday has been all about outreaching and speaking to people about why we are here.

"There has been a cycle ride, a big football match and lots of singing and talks outside the castle."

The protesters say that despite declarations of a climate emergency by first Wales’ then Scotland’s and UK governments there has been no emergency action.

The group had warned it will begin a week-long "summer uprising" in Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Glasgow and London.

The tents outside Cardiff Castle (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)
A cycle protest through the blockade (Richard Williams/WalesOnline)

Extinction Rebellion is an international protest group that uses non-violent civil disobedience to campaign on environmental issues. 

More than 1,000 activists were arrested in April 2019 after protesters occupied four sites across London. They also blocked roads, disrupted a train line and conducted a protest at Heathrow.

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