UK: Environmental group plans two-week shut down and other protests in London October 6-21

Event

The Extinction Rebellion (XR) environmental group has called for several protests in London from Sunday, October 6, through Monday, October 21. On October 6, participants plan to gather at 16:00 (local time) in Parliament Square. On Monday, October 7, the group plans to begin a two-week shut down of the Westminster area, including occupying Westminster Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and other key junctions, spaces, and government departments such as the Home Office starting at 10:00. The organizers have said that they plan to peacefully shut down the area until at least Monday, October 21, but may continue indefinitely. XR has also called on UK trade unions to participate in the occupation of the Westminster area on Saturday, October 12. Participants are expected to gather at 12:00 at Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan Police has said that more officers, including specialist police teams, will be deployed to central London as of October 7. A heightened security presence and significant transport and business disruptions are expected during the protest period.

Context

The Extinction Rebellion environmental group has organized disruptive protests around the world since November 2018 to demand increased action to address climate change issues. XR is planning a series of international protests starting the week of Monday, October 7. Previous similar protests by XR in central London caused significant transport and business disruptions in April 2019.

Advice

Individuals in London are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for associated disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.