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Extinction Rebellion London: Protesters plot for further action during Christmas period

Jeremy Selwyn
Jeremy Selwyn

Climate change activists who paralysed parts of London during two weeks of protests are planning a return to the capital for a series of demonstrations in the run-up to Christmas.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) organisers aim to launch more direct action as millions descend on the capital for the festive shopping frenzy.

Possible targets include Trafalgar Square and Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping destination which has been a focal point of previous demonstrations.

Scotland Yard made 1,832 arrests over the past fortnight as thousands of officers were diverted from normal duties. A total of 154 people have been charged and police are also investigating events at Canning Town station, which saw angry commuters drag two protesters from the roof of a Tube train.

Extinction Rebellion activists stage a demonstation at Oxford Circus during the latest round of protests (Jeremy Selwyn)
Extinction Rebellion activists stage a demonstation at Oxford Circus during the latest round of protests (Jeremy Selwyn)

It is understood XR-affiliated groups in London will meet this week to plot their next moves, which are co-​ordinated via encrypted messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp.

XR organiser Clare Farrell said: “We need to prioritise Christmas as a cultural event.

“It’s something we can’t overlook this time. You would hope that something beautiful will happen.

“What I do think is that XR, as a movement, we can’t think it will become something that only campaigns twice a year. The situation is far too serious and far too urgent. The clock is really ticking.”

Another activist said: “There will be other actions between now and Christmas focused on our climate message. If the Government does not listen to us then we will have no choice but to take to the streets again, whether it’s Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street or smaller direct actions.”

An XR spokesperson said the campaign was set to continue and added: “We aren’t necessarily pausing, we do have plans for further action within the next couple of months.

“We are in a moment now where what we are doing is necessary. We are running out of time and it is important to continue to carry out action.”

On Friday protesters defied a city-wide ban to shut down Oxford Circus and a man scaled the Elizabeth Tower at the Houses of Parliament. A judicial review into the Section 14 banning order is expected to be heard at the High Court later this week.