Animal rights activists blocked Westminster Bridge in central London on Tuesday as part of a Valentine’s Day protest.
Video shared on social media showed one member of the public dragging Animal Rebellion protesters from the road - as the action brought traffic on the bridge to a standstill for an hour from around 10am.
The action saw one protester dressed as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sit down for a “candelit Valentine’s dinner” in the road with another, dressed to represent animal farming and fishing.
Animal Rebellion claims the act was to highlight the Government’s “love” for industries causing the climate and ecological crises.
A video posted on social media showed a member of the public moving the table and candelabra, before forcibly dragging the two activists from the road amid shouts of dismay.
Other protesters displayed a large banner nearby reading “Love To All”, as they called on the Government to invest in a “plant-based future”.
A Met Police spokesperson said: “At 10.12am five protesters placed themselves on the highway, blocking traffic over the bridge in the direction of St Thomas’ Hospital.
“Officers removed the protesters from the highway to allow traffic to move freely over the bridge. Five protesters were arrested for obstruction of the highway.
“A sixth person was arrested for actual bodily harm after assaulting a protester.
Animal Rebellion are here at Westminster Bridge this Valentine's Day to spread love to ALL beings. There is an alternative to the cruel and destructive food system Rishi and our government love so much - a kind, sustainable #PlantBasedFuture. ❤️️ pic.twitter.com/PmaMUrl58S
— Animal Rebellion (@RebelsAnimal) February 14, 2023
“All six were taken to a west London police station. The road was open as of 11.12am.”
Animal Rebellion ativist Joshua Lane, 25, an engineer from Derbyshire said: “This Valentine’s Day we’re calling on the Government to get out of its toxic relationship with animal farming and fishing and, instead, show commitment to tackling the climate and ecological emergencies with a plant-based food system.
“Rishi Sunak could lead the way towards a world where humans and nonhumans alike are free from the worst impacts of climate breakdown, in a nation of animal lovers it’s the only sensible choice.”
