Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Extinction Rebellion protesters to spray paint Westminster during ‘red handed’ march

'We will raise our red hands, taking responsibility for our actions - we all have blood on our hand'

Friday 18 October 2019 00:52 BST
Comments
Demonstrators in Trafalgar Square
Demonstrators in Trafalgar Square (EPA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Extinction Rebellion is planning a "red handed" protest for the penultimate day of its latest campaign that will see it spray-paint hand prints around Westminster.

The group, which launched its latest campaign 10 days ago, says it will use washable chalk spray to mark the path of its march from Whitehall Gardens to six government departments.

It plans to deliver a set of specific demands to each department, decided by a series of assemblies during the "Autumn Uprising", the organisers said.

"We will raise our red hands, taking responsibility for our actions - we all have blood on our hands," Extinction Rebellion said, adding: "We march in admission and recognition of the part we play in the injustice of this emergency, and the ongoing suffering of thousands of people around the world due to the climate and ecological breakdown."

The Autumn Uprising is due to end on Saturday evening.

The group was forced to apologise after activists targeted a tube train at Canning Town.

One activist was dragged to the ground from the roof of the train by an irate commuter.

Video then showed the activist apparently kicking out at the person who had pulled him to the floor.

The group later said: "It is regretful that there was violence at today's action at Canning Town tube station. We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way. We are aware that one of our activists responded in self-defence in a moment of panic when confronted by a threatening situation.

"He acknowledges his accountability for this action and we offer gratitude for members of the public who helped to protect him."

The group apologised for the disruption caused to commuters, but said the incident should not create "unnecessary division".

Extinction Rebellion was also denied an urgent High Court hearing of its case against London's Metropolitan Police over a capital-wide protest ban.

The force imposed a blanket ban across the city, which makes any assembly of more than two people linked to Extinction Rebellion's Autumn Uprising action illegal.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The group is challenging what it says is an "unprecedented and disproportionate" ban on protests and asked for a hearing on Friday.

But, in a short ruling, Mr Justice Dingemans said the case raises important issues and could not be rushed.

Instead, the case will be heard next week.

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in