Extinction Rebellion protests: Green Party co-leader arrested as protesters win right to fight ‘unlawful’ police ban in court

Climate activists win go-ahead to mount legal action against Metropolitan Police

Protester scales parliament fence during Extinction Rebellion demonstration

The co-leader of the Green Party Jonathan Bartley was among more than 1,500 Extinction Rebellion activists arrested as the group continued its protests in defiance of a police ban.

Activists have been granted the go-ahead for legal action against London’s Metropolitan Police to challenge the public order banning more than two climate activists convening anywhere in the city. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

Politicians, human-rights groups and leading environmental figures including Greta Thunberg have condemned the ban as “unlawful” and “draconian”.

Meanwhile, mothers and babies from the group are blockading the of Google HQ to demand the tech giant stops funding climate deniers, as teenage protesters climb the entrance of Youtube HQ.

Other demonstrators blocked roads around Trafalgar Square, and some protested outside the offices of The Times and The Sun.

Please see below for what was our live coverage.

[16 October 2019 18:08 · Jane Dalton]

Protests at newspapers giant

Some demonstrators blocked roads around Trafalgar Square, as others gathered outside the offices of News UK, owner of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun, with banners saying, "Media tell the truth".

[16 October 2019 18:20 · Jane Dalton]

Mayor in robes arrested for protest

A mayor in his robes was arrested for joining the sit-down blocking Whitehall. Eamonn O'Nolan, the mayor of the town of Woodbridge, Suffolk, posed for photos before he was taken away by police.