Extinction Rebellion dig up Cambridge University lawn
‘We must call time on those profiting from the destruction of nature,’ group says
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Extinction Rebellion activists have dug up the front lawn of a Cambridge University college in an environmental protest.
The group said they were campaigning against Trinity College's plans to sell off land they own in Suffolk to someone with their sights set on developing a lorry park for thousands of vehicles.
"We must call time on those profiting from the destruction of nature," XR Cambridge said.
The environmental campaigners also accused the college of investing millions in oil and gas companies, as reported in student newspaper Varsity.
Images showed tufts of grass scattered over the lawn in the aftermath of the protest.
A college spokesperson said: “Trinity College regrets the criminal damage done to its property beside Great Gate.
"The College respects the right to freedom of speech and non-violent protest but draws the line at criminal damage and asked the protestors to leave."
Cambridge Police said they were working with the college following the incident.
"A crime has been recorded for criminal damage," they said.
XR Cambridge blocked a road in the city on Sunday to campaign for greater action against climate change, the group said on social media.
They said activists plan to cut off Trumpington Road in a week-long protest "to force local institutions to take action on the climate emergency".
Following the demonstration on Trinity College's lawn, a spokesperson said: "Academics at Trinity are actively engaged in research to understand and develop solutions to climate change, and taking practical steps forward.
"The College fully supports the University initiative, Cambridge Zero.”
Extinction Rebellion also demonstrated outside the International Maritime Organisation's headquarters in London on Monday.
The protest, which saw activists dressed as polar bears, aimed to call on the UN's international shipping regulator to introduce stricter rules on exhaust pollution from ships.
Climate activists also targeted London Fashion Week last week, calling for the event to be cancelled over concerns about the clothing industry's environmental impact.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments