Extinction Rebellion ‘Opening Ceremony’ Kicks Off Two Weeks Of Protests In London

Extinction Rebellion activists have held an “opening ceremony” ahead of two weeks of planned protests across London.

The environmental group plans to shut down key sites, including Westminster and Lambeth bridges, in addition to protests outside key government departments.

More than a thousand people attended an “opening ceremony” at Marble Arch on Sunday evening, featuring meditation and dancing as “inspiration” prior to the protests.

Groups of artists held a procession around Marble Arch as the protesters were told to “surround” the upcoming demonstrations with love.

Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Zoe Jones, 24, said Marble Arch will be used throughout the two-week protests as other sites are moved between.

She said: “We’re here to pressure the government into action because we can’t wait any longer.

“The next two weeks will involve marches and family friendly events, there’ll be some spicier actions as well and some will be arrestable.

“We’ve had 4,000 rebels sign up and say they are willing to be arrested – which is a huge increase on the number arrested in April of 1,000.

“The public perception of XR is that we’re disrupting ordinary people’s lives by blocking roads and that’s why this time we’re taking our protests to the seat of power and taking it to Westminster.

“We are on the public’s side and we are ordinary people who are extremely concerned.”