Scotland Yard has insisted it will take “firm” action against climate change activists who illegally cause disruption in central London during marathon weekend.
Up to 30,000 demonstrators are expected in the capital for “The Big One”, a four-day protest outside Parliament from Friday until Monday. The protest coincides with a busy sporting weekend in London, which includes both FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley and the London Marathon on Sunday.
Extinction Rebellion warned ministers it will step up its campaigns in “new and inventive ways” with allies if they do not agree to demands ahead of the four-day protest. It said this week’s action in central London was not intended to be disruptive, nor would it target the coronation of King Charles next month.
But Just Stop Oil, a separate group, invaded the world snooker championships in Sheffield and doused a table at the Crucible with yellow powder this week. It refused to rule out targeting the Marathon and said it expected many of its supporters to be in London for the four-day protest.
The Met Police said it is “aware of planned protests this weekend...we are in contact with the organisers in the run-up to their event, and will continue to engage with them throughout the period, in an effort to avoid serious disruption and delays to London’s communities and the other events taking place in London. However, we have a policing plan in place to provide an appropriate response to the protest.
“People can expect a visible, engaging but firm policing presence to tackle any criminal or anti-social behaviour and disorder. Alongside a significant policing response we will be using specialist officers to respond to any protesters who lock or glue themselves to street furniture or purpose-built structures.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, Extinction Rebellion called on the Government to stop the search for new fossil fuels and to establish “emergency citizens’ assemblies” to decide how to end use of fossil fuels. Activists have previously closed roads in central London and blockaded oil refineries.
