Climate protesters Extinction Rebellion shut down central Manchester for a demonstration set to cripple the city throughout the weekend
- Deansgate in city centre has been barricaded and has caused heavy congestion
- These crossroads were reportedly chosen due to ‘illegal’ high levels of pollution
- Police fired a warning shot to protesters this morning, urging lawful behavior
- It follows rallies in London earlier this year which saw more than 1,000 arrests
Extinction Rebellion eco-activists have wreaked misery on drivers in Manchester this morning by barricading main roads as part of a four-day ‘uprising’.
The climate campaigners wheeled a large boat reading ‘planet before profit’ into the normally busy Deansgate crossroads to kick off the rally which is expected to be attended by hundreds over the weekend.
The demonstrators have reportedly chosen to occupy this particular junction owing to its allegedly unlawful levels of air pollution.
It mirrors the protests earlier this year in London which resulted in the crippling of the capital’s transport routes and saw more than a thousand arrests.
Officers in Manchester were this morning braced for the demonstration, with Superintendent Chris Hill firing a warning shot at Extinction Rebellion’s self-described ‘rebels’.
Extinction Rebellion eco-activists have wreaked misery on drivers in Manchester this morning by barricading main roads as part of a four-day ‘uprising’
The climate campaigners this morning wheeled a large boat reading ‘planet before profit’ into the normally busy Deansgate crossroads to kick off a rally which is expected to be attended by hundreds over the weekend
The demonstrators have reportedly chosen to occupy this particular junction owing to its allegedly unlawful levels of air pollution
He said: ‘My message to those who are coming to protest over this period is quite clear.
‘You have the right to protest lawfully but any illegal activity will be dealt with accordingly.’
He also urged motorists to plan ahead, as major roads into the city centre are expected to be shut with congestion likely on streets on the outskirts of town.
The demonstration – called the North Is Rebelling – is scheduled to run form August 30 to September 2, but police warned that disruption could also spill onto September 3.
Some of the protesters in Manchester today flew Brazilian flags amid raging fires across the Amazon rainforest.
The sound of samba music also rang out as activists banged on drums while frustrated motorists were diverted from the city centre.
Plant pots and hay bales were unloaded on to the streets to form part of the blockade, echoing the floral displays which were scattered across London’s Waterloo Bridge in April.
And the local Katsouris deli has reportedly stocked up on Quorn sausages and falafel to feed the vegans attending the four-day rally.
Officers in Manchester were this morning braced for the demonstration, with Superintendent Chris Hill firing a warning shot at Extinction Rebellion protesters
Promoting the ‘uprising’, Extinction Rebellion said: ‘XR groups from around the North will come together in Manchester for a peaceful, public uprising in our city centre between Friday 30th August and Monday 2nd September 2019.
‘You are all welcome, wherever you live, to come and join us in helping to spread the rebellion throughout the North.
‘There will be training, talks, workshops, direct actions – big and small – as well as DJs, bands and performers.
‘We need you – whoever you are, however much time you have – to help build a powerful movement.
‘Our vision of change involves mass participation. Together we’re unstoppable.’
The group is also planning to occupy the roads around the City of London Magistrate’s Court this afternoon, to show support with those who were arrested in the capital earlier this year.
Hundreds of poster-waving protesters are expected to flock to Deansgate, Manchester over the course of the weekend