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Extinction Rebellion activists block entrance to Downing Street by gluing themselves to the fencing

At least seven members of the environmental group have been arrested

AT least seven environmental protesters were arrested today after they blocked access to Downing Street, where one was temporarily glued to the security fencing.

Members of green campaign group Extinction Rebellion staged the demonstration as part of a “non-violent uprising against the British government” over its failure to take the threat of catastrophic climate change seriously.

During the protest, 37-metre banners reading: “Climate chance, we’re fucked” were hung from Westminster Bridge.

Scores of protesters also staged a sit-down occupation to block traffic around Downing Street.

The group is demanding that the government declare global warming an emergency and commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2025.

The protest will be followed on Saturday by a national “Rebellion Day” demonstration.

Activists are expected to create a series of roadblocks from early morning, with plans to attempt occupations of five of London’s bridges.

The event will be part of a wider action of “international rebellion” against politicians and governments who show a lack of commitment to tackling climate change.

Labour councillor Skeena Rathor, who was one of the protesters arrested, said: “We believe in miracles and human genius, but the reality is we are on the threshold of social and climate collapse.

“We are about to lose all our present freedoms and so we offer ourselves for arrest with hope and courage in our hearts — to ask for leadership and truth — for our children.”

A Extinction Rebellion spokesperson said: “We are bold. We will not hide. We are all in open rebellion.

“We have informed the police and security services that these five bridges will be roadblocked: Southwark, Blackfriars, Waterloo, Westminster and Lambeth.”

The group claims that thousands of people will gather in Parliament Square to commit “major acts of civil disobedience” until Friday next week in an attempt to force government action on climate change.

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