UK: Extinction Rebellion group plans disruptive protests in London Aug. 23-Sept. 6

Event

The environmental activist group Extinction Rebellion (XR) plans to launch a two-week protest campaign in London Aug. 23 to demand that the government take greater action to address climate change. The campaign will launch with a protest in Trafalgar Square at 10:00 on Aug. 23; activists could attempt to maintain a protest camp at this location for the duration of the campaign. Over the following days, protesters intend to disrupt the City of London and are likely to attempt to target larger investment banks and financial institutions with protest actions. While their stated target is the financial industry, it is possible that activists will also target institutions associated with the use of fossil fuels.

Protesters also intend to occupy eight sites, though the precise locations are currently unconfirmed. It is possible that sites outside of the City of London are also targeted for protest action. Attendance could be boosted by the Aug. 9 release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 2021 report. In addition, loosely aligned protest movements, including animal rights, anti-austerity, and civil liberties (such as “Kill the Bill”) groups, will likely support the campaign and increase the general frequency of protests in London is likely for its duration. In particular, animal rights activists are planning an associated protest march Aug. 28; participants will gather at Smithfield Market at 12:30, before marching to various companies they accuse of abuses against animals; the march will also conclude at Smithfield Market.

XR protests have the potential to cause an impact disproportionate to the level of participation. Organizers will deliberately attempt to maximize disruption, including to targeted businesses and local transportation. Related actions are not typically announced beforehand and are instead coordinated at the last minute over private channels, increasing the challenges police face in responding. Related activities can range from flash mobs disrupting transportation hubs, such as rail terminals, London Underground (Tube) stations, or major road connections, to sit-down protests at road intersections or on a Thames bridge. Disruption tends to therefore be unpredictable and instant; such activities could last for several hours. Other activities such as attempted roadblocks or go-slow convoys on major roads are possible.

While XR protests in London aim to be non-violent, there have previously been instances of scuffles between protesters and frustrated commuters; police could also resort to forceful methods if resisted while dispersing disruptive protests. Acts of vandalism targeting financial institutions are also possible.

Additional police will deploy to monitor any protests. Deliberately disruptive protest actions and associated crowd control measures, including road closures and movement restrictions, will lead to localized transport disruptions around targeted locations and protest venues. Public transport could be suspended or diverted, and tube stations near protest sites could experience congestion as participants arrive at and leave related events.

Advice

Avoid any protests as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Check public transport schedules and local traffic conditions for disruptions before beginning journeys Aug. 23-Sept. 6. Allow extra time to reach destinations in central London, particularly in the City of London during the protest campaign. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.