Several People Arrested as 10 Days of Extinction Rebellion Demonstrations Begin in London

At least five people were arrested as the climate-activist group Extinction Rebellion began a planned 10-day ‘UK Rebellion’ in London, England, September 1, local media reported.

In a statement on their website, Extinction Rebellion said their protest aimed to “peacefully disrupt the UK Parliament in London, carrying out pressure-building actions over two weeks, until they back the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill and prepare for crisis with a National Citizens’ Assembly.”

Ahead of the protest, the Metropolitan Police had imposed conditions under the Public Order Act that said the demonstration Tuesday could not start before 8 am and must end by 7 pm and could only take place in Parliament Square Gardens.

Video shows crowds of people dancing, chanting, and singing behind several large signs that carry the Extinction Rebellion insignia while police officers, in a line, watch on.

Later video shows officers confronting protesters to prevent them from moving to a forbidden section, before one person is carried off by police officers. Credit: Paul Brown – BakedBeanMedia via Storyful