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Extinction Rebellion climate change campaigners to ‘pause’ protests

Hundreds of people were arrested last week due to the climate change protests. (GETTY)
Hundreds of people were arrested last week due to the climate change protests. (GETTY)

Climate change activists Extinction Rebellion have said they will “pause” the demonstrations that have been taking place in London ahead of political negotiations.

The protesters have said they want to show they are “disciplined and cannot only start disruptive actions but can also end these when needed”.

A huge 831 people have been arrested during last week’s climate change protests and 42 people charged.

Campaiger Farhana Yamin said: “Today marks a transition from week one, which focused on actions that were vision-holding but also caused mass disruption across many dimensions.

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“Week two marks a new phase of rebellion focused on negotiations where the focus will shift to our actual political demands.

“We want to show that XR is a cohesive long-term, global force, not some flash in the pan.”

The group wants the government to declare a climate emergency, reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025 and establish a citizens’ assembly to devise an emergency plan of action.

Last week demonstrators stopped traffic in Oxford Circus and set up camps in Marble Arch and Waterloo Bridge.

Police dismantle the skate ramp erected by Extinction Rebellion demonstrators on Waterloo Bridge in London. (GETTY)
Police dismantle the skate ramp erected by Extinction Rebellion demonstrators on Waterloo Bridge in London. (GETTY)

Ms Yamin added: “We can do that by showing we are disciplined and cannot only start disruptive actions but also end these when needed. We are not a rabble, we are rebels with a cause!

“Being able to ‘pause’ a rebellion shows that we are organised and a long-term political force to be reckoned with.

“This will give XR leverage as we enter into negotiations with those in power to make headway on our three demands.”

The protesters plan to remain at Old Palace Yard in Westminster next week.

The Metropolitan police commissioner, Cressida Dick, has called for the “miserable” disruption to end and said she had never known a police operation where so many arrests had been made.