United Kingdom

The latest protest against the riot against extinction: Activists cling to government services during the week of mass actions in London

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in front of the business, energy and industrial strategy department

(Getty Images)

Activists clung to UK government buildings in protest of the new oil and gas as Extinction Rebellion continued a week of mass action in London.

XR said scientists – dressed in white lab coats – took part in Wednesday’s demonstration, even posting scientific papers in the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on Wednesday.

This comes after XR activists blocked the entrance to Lloyd’s of London on Tuesday to protest the support of the insurance industry in the fossil fuel industry.

The day before, protesters wore masks of politicians and rats as they began a week of action with demonstrations in the capital.

Key points

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“The prime minister has demanded a climate pass with the war in Ukraine,” he said

Pete Knapp, an air quality scientist at the protest today, said: “The government department is responsible for choosing between a habitable planet and fossil fuels, and they are choosing fossil fuels.

He added: “The prime minister has asked for a climate pass with the war in Ukraine – that’s not how science works. We do not have a quiet period to reduce fossil fuels. “

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 1:00 p.m.

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“The quickest way to stop Extinction Rebellion is to listen to them.”

As Extinction Rebellion promises another week of disruption, Harry Cockburn, our environmental correspondent, writes:

“All this is completely unnecessary and the people who have the power to end the break are those in government.

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 12:49 PM

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What is happening with oil and gas in the UK?

The UK government has promised to pursue new fossil fuel projects in the North Sea just last week.

In his long-awaited energy security strategy, Boris Johnson said: “We will make better use of oil and gas in our own backyard by giving new life to the North Sea’s energy fields.

The document tries to explain this during the climate crisis. “Net zero is a smooth transition, not an immediate disappearance for oil and gas,” it said.

Harry Cockburn has more about the strategy – and criticism of it – here:

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 12:30 p.m.

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Images of the BEIS protest

Here is what is happening outside the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy now:

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in front of the business, energy and industrial strategy department

(Getty Images)

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in front of the business, energy and industrial strategy department

(Getty Images)

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in front of the business, energy and industrial strategy department

(Getty Images)

Extinction Rebellion activists protest in front of the business, energy and industrial strategy department

(Getty Images)

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 12:28 PM

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“New fossil fuel production puts us in danger”

According to Scientists for XR, Dr. Abby Perrin is a microbiologist involved in the protest.

“Science is clear – the new production of fossil fuels puts us all in danger. “Our government’s strategy is increasing the damage,” she said.

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 12:12 PM

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Scientific documents affixed to the BEIS building

XR scientists say the business strategy for energy and industry is focused.

The group says scientific papers are also attached to the building:

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 12:03 PM

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XR says scientists are sticking to government offices

Extinction Rebellion says scientists are “sticking to government departments” to call for no new oil and gas:

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 11:48 AM

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Here are some photos of what Extinction Rebellion did yesterday:

(AFP via Getty Images)

Activists from the disappearance uprising demonstrate at the headquarters of Lloyds of London

(AFP via Getty Images)

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 11:43 AM

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Meanwhile, climate activists elsewhere …

XRs are not the only climate group operating today.

Just Stop Oil says its members occupied a tanker in Essex this morning:

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 11:11 AM

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“The social contract has been violated”

Here is an XR tweet today before more planned actions:

Zoe Tidman April 13, 2022 10:58 AM