Climate protesters take to the streets outside the Westminster, Blackfriars, Waterloo and Lambeth bridges, holding flags and banners declaring a “climate emergency”. Protesters have also been depicted playing bongo and waving banners reading “end fossil fuels now” and “love of action” as queues form on the first day of the Easter holiday. Videos posted on social media showed several Met police officers at the site of the protests. A Met spokesman said: “We know there are a lot of protests going on today. “We are seeing pockets of protests that are causing delays and unrest throughout central London. “There is a police operation and the police are on the scene and working to manage the collision.” A message posted on Extinction Rebellion’s Twitter account confirmed that the group had once again blocked bridges in the capital. Protesters of the Uprising of the Extermination hold banners reading “End of fossil fuels now” in London on Friday afternoon (Rex Features) The tweet added: “It will #RebelForLife until the government acts as if it is a #Climatic Emergency and stops all new oil and gas. “Three years ago, XR built a garden on the Waterloo Bridge and occupied London. We will continue until we meet our requirements. “ A subsequent tweet containing a video showing protesters blocking the street said that the group “has no choice but to upset” and that people “are well on their way to a devastating 3 degree Celsius heating!”. The action comes on the same day that Just Stop Oil, a group of climate activists linked to the Rebellion Uprising, staged demonstrations in oil depots. Activists say they arrived in the early hours of Friday morning at Kingsbury Terminal near Tamworth, Staffordshire, as well as the Navigator Oil Terminal in Thurrock and the Grays Terminal, both in Essex. The photos showed people in orange jackets over oil tankers and blocking roads while holding signs. Essex police said 28 people were arrested on Friday. A case was filed against them either for interference in a motor vehicle and for voluntary blockage of a highway or for a distinct violation. Warwickshire police say 12 arrests have been made. Protesters take part in Westminster Bridge Disappearance Uprising (PA) Essex Assistant Police Chief Glen Pavelin said: “The road network is expected to be busy today and in the coming days as people travel and spend time with family and friends over the weekend. “Our dedicated officers will continue to work through the weekend to keep Essex moving, to keep people safe and to minimize disturbance to the public. “We also continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Prosecutor’s Office to secure charges where possible. “As it turned out this week, if you come to Essex and get involved in subversive and dangerous protests, we will arrest you.” Warwickshire police said: “Officers remain at Kingsbury Oil Terminal today and are currently protesting after several protesters arrived overnight. “There is little impact on the wider community right now.” Activists from Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion have been targeting oil terminals in recent weeks as part of their demands for the government to suspend new oil and gas projects.
