Extinction Rebellion protesters block Lambeth Bridge, central London (Yui Mok/PA)
(Picture: PA Wire)The GLA Conservatives have urged Sadiq Khan to step in and prevent Extinction Rebellion’s planned occupation of Hyde Park next month.
Known for its disruption tactics, the environmental group has requested that the Metropolitan Police facilitates a three-day occupation of Hyde Park from 10 September that will focus on “non-disruptive, mobilising, educational and community building activities”.
But organisers have said that if the Met rejects the request, the group’s next option would be to “move our occupation to the nearest junction and cause disruption”.
While the Met has yet to respond to the request, Susan Hall, leader of the GLA Conservatives, has called on the Mayor of London to step in and stop Extinction Rebellion from going ahead with the “lawless” occupation which she says will “tie up police resources”.
Ms Hall, who also chairs the London Assembly’s police and crime committee, said that police time and resources should be focused on tackling the “horrendous crime wave” in London following a series of shootings and stabbings over the past month, including the broad daylight killing of 87-year-old Thomas O’Halloran.
She said: “These activists want to bully the Met Police into allowing a disorderly takeover of Hyde Park, threatening to unleash criminal damage, road blockages, and serious criminal behaviour on London.
“Sadiq Khan cannot blame this one on the weather. The mayor needs to intervene, stop the occupation, and allow the police to focus on keeping Londoners safe.”
Earlier this month, it was reported that Extinction Rebellion (XR) protests have cost the Met £60 million since 2019.
The Standard revealed that demonstrations by XR had cost the Met £10 million this year alone, with 16,000 officers having overseen 10 days of action in April.
A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan said: “The mayor supports the democratic right to peaceful protest and it is evident from the extreme weather events London has experienced in recent years that much more needs to be done to tackle the climate emergency.
“However, Sadiq is clear that protests must be carried out safely and lawfully and should not put Londoners or the capital’s economic recovery at risk.
“The Mayor’s top priority is protecting Londoners and he fully supports the Met’s efforts to keep Londoners safe and to keep our city running.”
