Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Emissions
Photos: London bridges reopen after 85 people arrested over climate change protests
Hundreds of protesters blocked bridges across the UK capital today.
HUNDREDS OF CLIMATE change protesters blocked London bridges today demanding a dramatic new environmental policy.
Sit-down demonstrators blocked five bridges over the River Thames in the city centre, including Westminster Bridge next to the Houses of Parliament.
“We’ve basically got three demands,” said Gail Bradbrook, one of the organisers.
One is that the government have to tell the truth. People think that climate change is something happening to somebody else at some other time, but it’s coming home.
“We need to go to net zero carbon really quickly. And we’re also asking for a people’s assembly so people can decide how the change happens.”
Demonstrators held placards reading “Stop climate breakdown”, “Climate change equals mass murder”, “Climate crisis is a health crisis. Act now” and “Denial is not a policy”.
The police said the demonstrations were impeding Londoners and the emergency services from using the bridges.
The protests began early today, but the bridges hadn’t fully reopened until after 4pm.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “The number of arrests as a result of today’s demonstration stands at 85 – predominantly obstruction of the Highway Act, some Bail Act offences and others.”
have your say