On 17 November, thousands of people occupied five bridges in central London. Protesters from Extinction Rebellion (XR) claimed that 6,000 people took part in the protest and that:
This is the first time in living memory that a protest group has intentionally and deliberately blocked the five iconic bridges of central London.
Rebellion Day
As The Canary previously reported, the XR campaign aims to get people taking part in non-violent but disruptive acts of civil disobedience. In a press release seen by The Canary, XR stated that this protest intended to:
raise the alarm on the climate and ecological crisis – and to put pressure on the Government to come clean on the fact that there is a climate emergency.
The group called 17 November, Rebellion Day. It said this is:
The climax of Extinction Rebellion’s first week of civil disobedience against the British Government for its criminal inaction in the face of the climate and ecological emergency which we all face. This week, over 50 people have been willingly arrested. Today, thousands of people descend upon the capital.
Arrests
Clips shared on social media showed large numbers of people gathering throughout London:
We demand the government start taking the climate crisis seriously and implement the policies to deal with it. We need radical change and we need it now. Hear us.#ExtinctionRebellion#WestminsterBridge pic.twitter.com/62DzjeYwsF
— Extinction Rebellion Global (@ExtinctionR) November 17, 2018
Images showed the impact of the action:
Westminster Bridge #London looking chocka with #ExtinctionRebellion environmental activists for #RebellionDay – classic historical tactic of taking the bridges! pic.twitter.com/DrSCpKtRkl
— Evie Breese (@EvieBreese) November 17, 2018
After occupying the bridges, protesters headed to Parliament Square, for an ‘Extinction Assembly’. Representatives from six nations affected by climate breakdown – West Papua, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Kenya, Ghana and Mongolia – addressed the crowd:
“today we are being brave and courageous and turning towards reality: our tiny blue planet is in danger.” Sitting together in paramount square. #climateemergency #zeroemissions2025 #XR via @ClimatePsych pic.twitter.com/ZtCXtFON2X
— Extinction Rebellion Global (@ExtinctionR) November 17, 2018
According to the Metropolitan Police, by 5.20pm, 85 people had been arrested.
Support
Leading environmental figures supported the protest. Green Party MP Caroline Lucas offered solidarity to protesters:
Solidarity with all those peacefully resisting species extinction.
Scientists warn we’ve just 12 years to avoid climate crisis
New report shows we’ve destroyed 60% wildlife populations in 40 years
Conventional politics has failed us
That’s why we need #ExtinctionRebellion https://t.co/S80Iv8ESmR
— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) November 17, 2018
Green Party peer Jenny Jones and MEP Molly Scott Cato also took part in protests:
Our own @GreenJennyJones and @MollyMEP took part in civil disobedience today as part of extinction rebellion day of action. With the IPCC telling us we have just 12 yrs to avoid climate destruction the time to act is NOW. https://t.co/Fs5EvnOb3B
— The Green Party (@TheGreenParty) November 17, 2018
#ExtinctionRebellion in full swing on Westminster bridge
Join us! pic.twitter.com/R9wanCBOHC
— Green💚🌻🍉Molly (@GreenPartyMolly) November 17, 2018
Other groups shared information and advice as reports of arrests rose:
If you are arrested at #ExtinctionRebellion #RebellionDay remember:#NoComment without first obtaining legal advice from a solicitor#NoCaution do not accept a caution#NoDutySolicitor – ask for one of the solicitors on the @GBCLegal bust card
GBC helpline: 07946 541511
— Netpol (@netpol) November 17, 2018
Arrestee support is a vitally important practical way of showing that we care about each other. Please contact @ExtinctionR if you can help #ExtinctionRebellion #RebellionDay https://t.co/nmJ4VsxjWU
— Netpol (@netpol) November 17, 2018
Extinction Rebellion plans to continue action until the government acts upon its demands to:
- Tell the truth about the climate and wider ecological emergency, reverse inconsistent policies and work alongside the media to communicate with citizens.
- Enact legally binding policy measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to reduce consumption levels.
- Set up a national Citizen’s Assembly to oversee the changes, as part of creating a democracy fit for purpose.
Featured image via Oliver Campbell
