Extinction Rebellion London protests LIVE: XR activists descend on capital as two weeks of climate rallies begin TODAY

Environmental activism group Extinction Rebellion have a launched a fresh two weeks of climate protests across London from TODAY.

The climate change group – which brought London to a standstill in 2019 – says thousands will take part in their “Impossible Rebellion”, which plans to “target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis”.

Activists began congregating in Traflagar Square from 10am this morning – and demonstrations are scheduled in central locations including St James’ Park, Piccadilly Circus – as well as further events in both north and south London.

In a statement, the group said: “Beginning on Monday August 23, Extinction Rebellion will take to the streets again, with plans to disrupt the City of London to target the root cause of the climate and ecological crisis – the political economy.”

The Metropolitan Police said a “significant” operation would be put in place to manage the protests over the busy bank holiday weekend, but acknowledged the activists’ “important cause”.

Read our Extinction Rebellion protests blog below for the latest updates…