Extinction Rebellion: Demonstrators to target MI5 in eighth day of direct action in London
Over 1,400 arrested in London since action began a week ago
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Your support makes all the difference.Extinction Rebellion activists are planning to block roads outside MI5 on Tuesday morning on the eighth day of direct action, after the number of demonstrators arrested in London topped 1,400.
The group is holding what it called a “roadblock feast” on the south side of the river, which they have carried out previously during the summer protests, where they will be “serving food around a table”, a spokesperson told The Independent.
Almost 3,000 demonstrators have now been arrested worldwide, including 1,463 people who have been arrested in 20 cities around the world as the protests entered their seventh consecutive day.
On Monday, following a weekend of action, which saw protesters disrupt flights at London City airport, the group targeted the world’s largest asset management company, BlackRock, as well as the Bank of England and Barclays bank in the City of London.
Activists glued themselves to the glass entrances outside BlackRock and Barclays, while others enacted eating a meal of paper money.
In a statement, the group said it was targeting BlackRock to highlight the New York-based firm’s financial support for fossil fuels and businesses, which result in the destruction of natural habitats.
“XR is targeting BlackRock because it’s the world’s biggest backer of climate and rainforest destruction,” the group said. “It’s the number one investor in fossil fuels, including coal, and in the companies driving deforestation around the world. XR calls on BlackRock to disinvest from these sectors now and back renewables.”
The crowds parted on at least three occasions to allow ambulances to pass.
Police were filmed arresting a 77-year-old rabbi who had joined the protests accompanied by around 30 Jewish activists.
Jeffrey Newman, Rabbi Emeritus of Finchley Reform Synagogue in north London, said he has been involved with global environmental movements for around 50 years.
“I am trying to get the Jewish community engaged with these issues,” he told PA.
“Many of the younger people, the activists, have not had anything to do with the Jewish community for a long time.
“And for the first time, they have discovered that there is a potential for meaning within Judaism, because of its connection with issues that they really are concerned about.
“I think this is phenomenal.”
Six activists were also reportedly arrested outside the office of BAE Systems, the world's fourth largest arms manufacturer.
The group said it was highlighting the link between war and the climate crisis, as well as the sale of arms to Saudi Arabia.
Despite the focus on the City, activists also maintained a strong presence at Trafalgar Square, where large numbers of people congregated carrying banners.
Speaking to The Independent, Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Jayne Forbes said: “We were delighted with what happened at BlackRock, morale is really high, we’ve got lots of rebels who are really keen to engage. Everybody came out at 6.30 in the morning in the pouring rain, and there were 100-200 people there.”
Monday’s protests came after more than 400 scientists endorsed the use of direct action to bring greater attention to the worsening climate crisis.
In a joint declaration, climate scientists, physicists, biologists, engineers and others from at least 20 countries broke with the caution traditionally associated with academia to side with peaceful protesters courting arrest warnings that failure could inflict “incalculable human suffering”.
In a statement on Monday afternoon, the London Metropolitan Police said: “A total of 76 people connected to the Extinction Rebellion protests have been charged with offences including failing to comply with a condition imposed under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, criminal damage, and obstruction of a highway.
“As of 14:00hrs, a total of 1,405 people have been arrested in connection with the protests.”
The protests came during a Queen’s Speech in which the government set out its long-awaited Environment Bill, which includes measures to improve air quality, ensure nature is not damaged by building new homes, and make household recycling services more consistent.
The Independent has contacted BlackRock for comment.
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