Extinction Rebellion activists have brought Westminster Bridge to a standstill, with activists blocking the road on a day of protests in the capital.
Dozens of people from the group have blocked traffic as they chant slogans about the climate crisis in London on a day of action around the UK today.
Similar events are being held in Edinburgh as campaigners dressed in rags with chains around their necks walked to a slow drum beat from the city’s Princes Street to the UK Government office.
Mike Grant, 62, retired Army officer from Rosewell, said: “The climate crisis hit the UK with a vengeance this summer.
“The science has been clear for years but now we are seeing what that means in reality. And we have a war in Europe underpinned by oil and gas and a cost-of-living crisis that threatens to drive millions into poverty.
“At a time when wind is nine times cheaper than gas, our Government-enabled addiction to fossil fuel has to end forever.”
Earlier today huge crowds made up of members of Just Stop Oil, XR and the Revolutionary Communist Group (RCG) gathered outside Euston station ahead of the march.
Meg, a member of Doctors For Extinction Rebellion, said: “This is a climate emergency and people are already dying, more are going to die from the effects of climate change.
“We’re acting in line with the values of health professionals who are supposed to try to protect public health and then safeguard people’s lives and wellbeing.”
Just Stop Oil earlier wrote on Twitter : “Today, as our criminal Government refuses to address the rising energy prices, millions of families across the UK are plunged into fuel poverty, while fossil fuel companies continue to rake in billions in profits.
"The disruption will end when the Government takes immediate steps to meet our demands — to stop new oil and gas, start a rapid transition to a fairer and safer society paid for by the fossil fuel companies and the rich, and let the people decide how we should live as a community.
“Today is the day enough is enough.”
Marches are also being held today by people demanding change to the cost of living crisis.
The London march is one of 50 taking place across the country as people continue to struggle with rising bills.
They are being held by the group Enough is Enough as part of a national day of action.
Thousands are demanding change to the current cost of living crisis.
