Extinction Rebellion protests continue in London despite ban
The group says “normal activities have been resumed” just hours after police ordered an end to demonstrations. …
Image copyright Getty Images Extinction Rebellion activists are continuing to demonstrate in London despite police ordering a ban on the group’s climate change protests.
The group said in a statement that “normal activities have been resumed” after police cleared protesters from Trafalgar Square on Monday.
Demonstrators have now targeted the Department for Transport.
The group’s co-founder, Gail Bradbrook, was arrested after climbing on to the entrance of the government building.
Extinction Rebellion said in a tweet that she had glued herself in place, while a statement by the group said another activist was locked to the side of the building.
Police were later pictured removing Ms Bradbrook from the scene. Police say the area is now clear of protesters.
The protests, which began last Monday, have seen more than 1,400 arrests.
A number of demonstrations have been staged across the capital by the group, which is calling on the government to do more to tackle climate change. The protests were due to last two weeks.
On Monday evening, the Metropolitan Police began clearing protesters from Trafalgar Square, some of whom had glued themselves to the ground as they refused to leave.
In a statement, the force had said demonstrators protesting in the capital after 21:00 BST could be arrested.
Responding to the police action, Extinction Rebellion said it would “let the Trafalgar Square site go”, but it added: “The International Rebellion continues.”
The Met said there had been 1,457 arrests by 08:45 BST on Tuesday, in connection with the nine days of Extinction Rebellion protests in London.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the ban had been imposed due to breaches of the Public Order Act and “ongoing serious disruption to the community.”
He added: “The policing operation continues, and we will continue to take action against anyone engaged in unlawful protests at locations targeted by Extinction Rebellion.”
Previously, protesters had been warned by police to protest only in Trafalgar Square or risk arrest.
Last week, the Home Office confirmed to BBC News that it was reviewing police powers around protests in response to recent demonstrations.
It follows a letter from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick after August’s protests, which resulted in more than 1,100 arrests.
What are the rules around protests?
- By law, the organiser of a public march must tell the police certain information in writing six days in advance.
- This includes the date and time of the march, the route and the names and addresses of the organisers.
- Police have the power to limit or change the route of the march or set other conditions.
- They can also change the location, limit how long the rally lasts or how many people attend and stop a sit-down protest if it blocks road traffic or public walkways.
- Police can issue a Section 14 notice if they “reasonably believe” that a protest “may result in serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community” or if they believe the purpose of the protest is to intimidate others.
- This allows police to impose conditions on a static protest and individuals who fail to comply with these can be arrested.
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