Extinction Rebellion Bring London to a Standstill with Non-Stop Protests
Oxford Street and Regent Street Ground to a Halt
Extinction Rebellion has taken over central London, blocking Oxford Street and Regent Street every day up to Sunday, 17 April. The Metropolitan Police confirmed both major shopping streets are gridlocked due to the climate activists’ disruptive tactics.
The Met warned protesters are causing major traffic chaos and have specialist teams on standby to deal with any rebels who lock or glue themselves to street furniture or complex structures. Traffic diversions are actively being put in place across the West End.
Rebels Vow to Flood London’s Streets
Extinction Rebellion spokespeople said their goal is to “flood the streets of London” and claim this is “the most roadblocks we ever have” thanks to a new protest design.
On Saturday, crowds sat down across Oxford Circus and connecting streets, chanting “Save our planet” and “Whose streets? Our streets”. Demonstrators waved banners reading “I am here for nature and children”, “Navel gazing into disaster” and “Life on Earth is dying”.
Tower Bridge Shut Down After Daring Abseil Stunt
Friday saw two protesters take the spectacle up a notch by abseiling down Tower Bridge and unfurling a massive banner demanding an end to fossil fuels. The iconic London landmark, a key traffic artery, was closed to vehicles, sending queues snarling across the capital.
Sadiq Khan Slams Protest as “Counter-Productive”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan slammed the disruption, calling the protest “counter-productive”. He urged demonstrators to focus on winning over public opinion as well as pressuring the government.
