THE offices of some of the most influential lobbyists and think-tanks fuelling scepticism on climate change were hit on Wednesday evening by activists who scrawled “lies lies lies” on the facade.

Four people including Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Rupert Read were arrested after fake blood was poured over the steps of 55 Tufton Street in central London and graffiti stencilled on the columns. 

Activists said they wanted to expose the “nefarious activists” of lobbying outfits known to host events and offices at the site including prominent climate-sceptic group Global Warming Policy Foundation, founded by former Tory MP Nigel Lawson.  

The direct action came after speakers from Writers Rebel including author Zadie Smith and actor Juliet Stevenson spoke out against the groups at the building’s entrance. 

Hundreds of protesters gathered around the speakers while activists blocked the road atop a large tripod structure. 

Addressing the crowds, Ms Smith, the acclaimed author of White Teeth and NW, admitted she had been “naive” in the past to believe that climate denial and inaction were products of fear.

“Now we know better, now we know that the outsized unruly emotions that surround the scientific subject of climate change are fuelled by something far more calculated and external than species shame. 

Graffiti on 55 Tufton Street

“They are not organic, natural or unavoidable but rather feelings manufactured, targeted, organised and paid for, largely by oil companies and other vested economic interests who are prepared to sacrifice your long-term future for their long-term profit. 

“Now we know that there really are people, some of whom work on this very street, whose business it is to make science look like opinion.”

Actors Mark Rylance and Ms Stevenson hosted the three-and-a-half hour event, which also heard from Green MP Caroline Lucas and environmentalist George Monbiot. 

In a passionate address Ms Stevenson spoke out against the “terrible abuse of language” by political leaders and the “breach now between language and its meanings.” 

Giving an example, she argued that the meaning of democracy has been “diminished” as the “real power resides in multinational corporations, it’s an international system and it’s embodied in these buildings.”

Ahead of his arrest Mr Read told the Morning Star that despite efforts to prevent the platforming of climate deniers, lobbyists and think tanks with links to the oil industry are still “spreading their lies and delaying tactics.” 

“It’s time that the British public and the British Establishment know more clearly what these people are so that’s why I’m going one step further today and shining a light on their nefarious activities by depicting visually with non-violent direction action that they have blood on their hands and we are not going to let them get away with it,” he explained. 

“They are well connected and continue to do their dirty work, we need to expose that and expose them for what they are.”

Mr Read was later released from police custody along with Writers Rebel co-founder Jessica Townsend who was also arrested at the event. 

The Writers Rebel event is part of 10 days of action organised by Extinction Rebellion in London, Cardiff and Manchester to press the government to take action on the climate emergency.