MORE than 60 Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists arrived early at Lloyd’s of London’s headquarters today to shut it down, demanding the insurance giant’s brokers stop insuring fossil fuel projects.

The protesters used superglue, chains and bike locks to block over 25 entrances to the building.

As employees arrived for work to find the building closed, they were greeted by members of XR’s TruthTeller project who invited them to blow the whistle on any planet-damaging plans being insured by Lloyds.

A flier addressed “Dear Lloyds of London” said that chief executive John Neal recently backtracked on a report that promised to phase out the most damaging activities by 2030, calling it nothing more than a “provocative discussion document.”

Staff already at work were allowed to leave the building.

Climbers also scaled the iconic building and unfurled banners saying: “End fossil fuels now” and “Insure climate justice.” Others stuck stickers on the windows that said “Stop Insuring Trans Mountain.”

The Trans Mountain Pipeline in Canada has been opposed by indigenous communities whose land it cuts through.

It would allow a dramatic increase in the volume of tar sands Canada could export, shipping 590,000 barrels per day. 

Lloyd’s is among the insurers listed on the project’s most recent public certificate.

XR spokeswoman Clare Walmsley said: “We’re here to demand an end to all new fossil fuel investments and insurance.

“By underwriting the world’s most deadly fossil fuel projects, they are creating climate chaos: floods, famine, wildfires and death.

“Insuring new oil and gas projects will do nothing to solve the cost-of-living crisis either. Instead, it locks us into a system that’s already pushing millions into poverty.”

A Lloyd’s spokesman said: “Lloyd’s supports safe and constructive engagement on climate change, and we’re continuing to work to support a responsible transition.”