CLIMATE change activists concluded their bank-holiday-weekend action today by demanding that banks stop financing polluters. 

The series of actions by Extinction Rebellion (XR) took place across Britain ahead of the September Rebellion, which begins on Tuesday.

In Birmingham, protesters gathered outside HSBC at New Street in a theatrical action to shine a spotlight on the damage done by the banking giant.

Similar scenes were seen outside the bank in Oxford, where activists created a “crime scene.” 

Norwich activists gathered in Chapelfield Gardens in a rally and marched to Aviva accompanied by drumming.

And protesters in Cambridge marched through the city in a colourful, ocean-themed demonstration with music and drumming to “flood” the streets and highlight rising water levels.

Dozens of other actions took place.

XR said in a statement: “The world of dirty finance should be taking a permanent ‘holiday’ from destructive dealings and propping-up polluters. 

“We do not want our money to support ecocide at a time of climate and ecological emergency. 

“Polluting businesses and industries need to be closed for good.”

On Tuesday XR will mark the reopening of Parliament after recess by blocking the streets leading to Westminster in London. 

Groups will gather by the Tate, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral at 11am and march to Parliament Square.

Speakers will include professionals from various branches of the action group, such as Doctors for XR, XR scientists and XR Lawyers, as well as public figures.

In Cardiff, activists will meet at Gorsedd Stone circle in Bute Park, 10am.

And in Manchester, the September Rebellion will begin by St Peter’s Square at 10am.