Extinction Rebellion protests: Roads closed after climate activist scales Parliament’s walls, as group threatens to target Tube network

More than 1,400 arrested over nine days of protests

Protester scales parliament fence during Extinction Rebellion demonstration

Extinction Rebellion insists its “international rebellion will continue” and plans to target the London Underground after activists were ordered to stop their protest in London immediately or face arrest.

It comes after hundreds of activists blocked streets around the City of London in an effort to cause “maximum disruption” and demand urgent action on the climate crisis.

Flouting police instructions, this morning the group’s co-founder Gail Bradbrook climbed the entrance to the Department for Transport in Westminster while other activists glued themselves to the building.

Protesters have also been arrested after blocking the road outside the headquarters of MI5.

One demonstrator briefly scaled a fence by the Houses of Parliament, only to be removed shortly afterwards.

Parliament Square was closed while the operation took place.

Meanwhile, the group is planning to take the police to court after it banned Extinction Rebellion protests from London in a move human rights groups have condemned as “chilling and unlawful”.

Anti-Brexit barrister Jo Maugham QC claimed the move was a “huge overreach” of police powers, human rights lawyer Adam Wagner called it “draconian and extremely heavy-handed”, and Allan Hogarth from Amnesty International said it was “unacceptable”.

”This ban is completely contrary to Britain’s long-held traditions of policing by consent, freedom of speech, and the right to protest,” said Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary.

The climate protests are set to continue for several more days.

Extinction Rebellion said demonstrators “apologise to all those who may be affected by [Thursday’s tube protests] but this is an emergency”.

If you would like to see how Tuesday’s protests unfolded, please see what was our live coverage below:

[15 October 2019 17:15 · Zamira Rahim]

The activists have gained a reputation for being youthful but no more - Extinction Rebellion are launching a grandparents' group, at a gathering outside Buckingham Palace.

"As grandparents we have a unique opportunity, a responsibility even, to take our place in history, and ensure that there is a history. We all understand what a joy and honour it is to become a grandparent and how those gorgeous bouncy little people enrich our lives.

"We love them, and would do anything for them - now’s our chance," a spokesperson for the group said on Facebook.

AFP 

[15 October 2019 17:16 · Zamira Rahim]

Parliament Square has been closed after a protester reportedly scaled a pillar near the building.

[15 October 2019 17:25 · Zamira Rahim]

Here's some video of the scene outside Buckingham Palace.

[15 October 2019 17:31 · Zamira Rahim]

Extinction Rebellion will disrupt the London Underground on Thursday, as demonstrators continue their non violent protests.

"[Protesters] apologise to all those who may be affected by this but this is an emergency," the group said on Twitter.

[15 October 2019 17:33 · Zamira Rahim]

Here are some images of the protester who has scaled a pillar by the Houses of Parliament. Police officers are at the scene. 

The protester is wearing a gas mask and holding a sign aloft (Getty) 

[15 October 2019 17:35 · Zamira Rahim]

The government has pledged to go "further and faster" in cutting greenhouse gases after advisers warned that the UK is not on course to meet legal climate targets.

The Committee on Climate Change warned that current policies and plans were insufficient to meet emission targets for the 2020s and 2030s.

The report comes as Extinction Rebellion protesters were banned from gathering in London.

[15 October 2019 17:40 · Zamira Rahim]

The protester who scaled the pillar by Parliament has now been removed by police officers.

[15 October 2019 17:45 · Zamira Rahim]

(Vladimir Morozov)

This is the scene at Westminster Bridge, where protesters have taken to the river Thames. One participant, apparently dressed as Boris Johnson, addressed the watching crowds. Others in the boat are dressed as pirates. 

[15 October 2019 17:55 · Zamira Rahim]

This was the scene at Millbank Tower earlier when police officers used a magnetic drill to release the arms of Extinction Rebellion protesters.

Nearly 20 police vans are parked nearby and dozens of officers are monitoring the scene.

PA 

PA 

[15 October 2019 18:05 · Zamira Rahim]

Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, has spoken out in support for the climate protesters after they were banned from gathering in London.

"Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg & the school climate strikers are doing a great service for people and planet," Mr Burgon said.

"They must be allowed to peacefully protest."