Climate protesters stopped staff entering major insurance marketplace Lloyd’s of London using superglue, chains and bike locks.
More than 60 activists stationed themselves outside the central London building from 7am on Tuesday to highlight the group’s demand that the market stops insuring fossil fuels projects.
A spokesman for Lloyd’s said: “Lloyd’s supports safe and constructive engagement on climate change and we’re continuing to work to support a responsible transition.
Image: Activists from Extinction Rebellion unfurl a banner on the side of Lloyds“In the interests of our people’s safety, we have advised Corporation employees and market participants not to come to the building today.
“The market remains open and trading is continuing online using our remote capabilities.”
AdvertisementThe latest protest comes as the government faces calls for “nationwide injunctions” after a separate group of climate protesters disrupted the delivery of fuel to forecourts.
Hundreds of people have been detained since the Just Stop Oil group and affiliated activists began their action on 1 April – with more than 350 arrested at Grays in Essex alone, amid police claims of “exceptionally dangerous” tactics by activists.
More from UKBy lunchtime on Tuesday, City of London Police said there had been no arrests and that officers were working to “facilitate peaceful protest”.
Image: Activists from Extinction Rebellion block an entrance to Lloyds of LondonCommander Umer Khan, from the force, said: “Police officers are working with key partners and liaising with Lloyd’s to facilitate peaceful protest and to provide a proportionate response.”
XR said people had also scaled the outside of the building and unfurled banners, reading “End Fossil Fuels Now” and “Insure Climate Justice”.
The action comes after activists from Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion caused Tower Bridge to be closed for several hours last Friday morning.
Police were called to the bridge after protesters occupied the famous landmark and unveiled a green banner with black writing reading: “End fossil fuels now”.
Image: Activists from Extinction Rebellion dressed as cleaners speak to a police liaison officerOf Tuesday’s demonstration, XR spokesperson Clare Walmsley said: “We’re here to demand an end to all new fossil fuel investments and insurance.
“By underwriting the world’s most deadly fossil fuel projects, they are creating climate chaos – floods, famine, wildfires and death.”