Extinction Rebellion protests: Arrests soar to 1,000 as blind paralympian clambers on top of British Airways plane
Climate activists glue themselves to arrival lounge in 'Hong Kong-style' occupation of London City airport
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Extinction Rebellion began a three-day “Hong Kong-style” occupation of London City Airport today as the number of protesters arrested soared to 1,000.
A blind paralympian climbed on top of a British Airways plane after another boarded another plane and stopped it taking off. Meanwhile, dozens of climate activists glued themselves onto the front of the departure and arrival gates at the airport.
The airport occupation is part of Extinction Rebellion's two-week protest to demand greater government action on the climate crisis. The group says extreme weather caused by climate change would lead to crop losses, food crises, social unrest and damage to infrastructure, and people were risking arrest to show "how vulnerable we are".
But Met Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick said said the protesters were "utterly irresponsible and completely unreasonable" for their determination to take over and occupy important arterial roads in London for a two-week period She urged them to demonstrate in the pedestrian area of Trafalgar Square, saying: "Protest lawfully or go home."
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This is how protesters have been powering their kitchen at St James’ Park, London, this morning with clean energy.
Dozens of activists" glued on" at airport lounge and train station
Dozens of protesters are currently glued on inside the airport lounge at London City airport and at the entrance to the nearby DLR station, Extinction Rebellion says. It claims no trains are currently stopping at the station.
Our reporter at the scene, Colin Drury, says that there appears to be no new activists joining the protest after trains stopped running to the station. A number of activists heading to the airport have allegedly been forced to turn back.
An Extinction Rebellion poster has been hung up which reads: "Our fragile planet is dying"
Former police officer arrested at London City airport
A former police officer has been arrested during the protests at London City Airport this morning.
John Curran, 49, said he was taking part in the demonstrations for his 3-year-old daughter.
London City Airport says it is working closely with Met Police
Airport authorities have confirmed they are working with the Metropolitan Police to deal with the protesters.
A London City Airport spokesperson said: “We can confirm that a number of protesters have arrived at London City Airport. We continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safe operation of the airport, which remains fully open and operational.
If you are flying from London City today, please check the status of your flight with your airline before travelling to the airport.”
'If grown ups don’t do something the world is going to go boom and explode'
Our reporter at the scene, Colin Drury, has spoken to some of the Extinction Rebellions protesters at London City Airport today.
India and Zavier Drake are with their with mother Kelly. Aged nine and four, they are perhaps the youngest protestors at LCA today. Why are they here? “Because I’m worried,” says India. “If grown ups don’t do something the world is going to go boom and explode.”
Colin Drury
Protesters find time for a spot of yoga
Planetary emergency or not, this chap has found time for a spot of yoga at the airport.
“Climate anxiety is a real and valid thing,” one activist tells our reporter at the scene, Colin Drury. “And protest and mindfulness are both effective ways to deal with it.”
Colin Drury
Journalists barred from airport
The Independent still isn’t being allowed into LCA to speak to protestors who have glued themselves inside but Victotia Valentine’s daughter Phoebe, 23 is in there among them fully tacked up.
“She understands she’s going to be arrested,” Ms Valentine, from Lincolnshire, said. “Half of me is worried about the consequences of that but half of me is very proud.”
Protesters block main road leading to airport
Protesters have wandered to the main road entrance outside the airport and are now sitting down blocking all vehicle access, according to our reporter at the scene Colin Drury. Police are kettling protesters in response.
Red Rebels do synchronised 'air traffic controller' dance
It wouldn't be an Extinction Rebellion protest without the Red Rebels, a group of silent protesters dressed in blood red costumes with white painted faces. And today it looks like they have made an appearance at the airport - this time dressed as air traffic controllers.
Extinction Rebellion
Protesters 'dress smartly' to evade security
Nicholas Watt, a BBC journalist, who was on the plane that was stormed by one activist suggests he managed to get past security by dressing smartly. Are other protesters following suit?
Colin Drury, our reporter at the scene, says that a few of the protesters who arrived at the airport early were wearing smart clothes too - and carrying luggage to add to the disguise.
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