Extinction Rebellion plans 'to step up civil disobedience campaign'

Members of the Red Rebel Brigade join demonstrators in London, on the last day of the environmental action group's four days of action that they have called "The Big One". Picture date: Monday April 24, 2023.
The climate protest group has said it will "step up" its campaign. Credit: PA

Climate protest group Extinction Rebellion (XR) says it will "step up" its campaign to force the government to tackle global warming, at the end of its four-day demonstration.

Almost 80% of protesters voted to amp up future campaigning, using civil disobedience and non-violent direct action, in a poll involving "tens of thousands" of people, XR organisers added.

Spokesperson Rob Callender said: "Effectively tens of thousands from different organisations have signalled that they are ready to move into a far more challenging and disruptive posture against a government that is gambling with our lives and futures."

Protesters also voted to organise locally and support pickets. Hundreds marched through central London on Monday as part of a mass demonstration termed "The Big One", which began on Friday and was supported by more than 200 organisations including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

Campaigners pour fake sewage outside Southern and Thames Water offices
Extinction Rebellion protested outside of Shell's headquarters over the weekend. Credit: PA

XR said the end of the demonstration acted as a deadline for the Government to respond to a collective request by climate campaign groups to enter negotiations on demands – to halt all new coal, oil and gas exploration and set up emergency citizens assemblies – or "face the consequences."

Co-founder of XR Clare Farrell said: "The government had a week to respond to our demands and they have failed to do so.

"Next we will reach out to supporter organisations to start creating a plan for stepping up our campaigns across an ecosystem of tactics that includes everyone from first-time protesters to those willing to go to prison."

UK sees annual temperatures average more than 10C for first time in 2022

On Monday, traffic came to a halt as XR’s drum band continuously played from the Houses of Parliament to the London Eye, with the march ending at the headquarters of oil giant Shell.

Marchers waved signs with slogans including “I want a hot girlfriend, not a hot planet” and “fossil filth is over”.

XR claims that more than 60,000 people demonstrated over the four days.

Just Stop Oil members also joined the march after causing various traffic jams in London on Monday near Piccadilly Circus.

The group said their slow marches will continue to take place throughout the rest of the week.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.