UK: Environmentalist protests to continue in London until at least April 29 /update 1

Event

The environmentalist activist group Extinction Rebellion is expected to stage further demonstrations in the capital London until at least Monday, April 29. Further protests have been called for Wednesday, April 17, in Central London, with protesters vowing to disrupt tube services in an attempt to escalate their protest actions. In line with protests on previous days, activists are likely to gather at Marble Arch, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, and Waterloo Bridge, despite police orders to restrict protest action to Marble Arch until April 19. A heightened security presence along with significant traffic disruptions are expected around any demonstration sites.

The group has called for open-ended demonstrations; as such, protests are likely to continue in the coming days. 

Context

Related gatherings took place in Central London on April 15-16, which have led to road closures, significant traffic congestion, and severe disruptions to public transportation and local businesses. At least 290 activists have been arrested. The ER is calling on the government to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2025 and wants to "shut down London" until at least April 29 in a series of protests. According to the organisers, protests have been held in more than 80 cities across 33 countries so far.

Advice

Individuals located in London are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and prepare for extra time to reach their destinations.