Extinction Rebellion activists arrested after blocking entrances to concrete works in east London

Jacob Jarvis16 July 2019

Six Extinction Rebellion protesters have been arrested after they blocked the entrances to a concrete works in east London.

The group gathered outside London Concrete in Bow, where vehicles were backed up and unable to get in due to the activists blocking their way.

They were protesting the environmental impacts of concrete production, bemoaning its contribution to air pollution in the area, though a spokeswoman for the site said it was at "the forefront of efforts to mitigate climate change".

Those gathered outside said they wanted to "non-violently disrupt the site" and one said: "We're going to be here all day if we have to be."

Scotland Yard said there had been six arrests at the protest.

"In the early hours of this morning, protestors congregated at the entrance of the construction site which prevented companies within the area from being able to go about their daily business," a statement regarding the arrests said.

"As a result, a total of six people - three men and three women, aged between 30 and 67 - were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespassing and obstruction of a highway and taken into custody."

After the arrests, Met Police Commander Jane Connors, said: “We absolutely recognise the right for people to protest however we will continue to take action against those who choose to break the law, to ensure disruption to Londoners is kept to a minimum.

“Police Liaison Teams remain in contact with organisers to understand their plans and ensure London remains open for business.”

Extinction Rebellion Protests: July 2019 - In pictures

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Extinction Rebellion previously said around 50 people, nicknamed rebels by the group, had gathered outside.

Some of them had locked themselves to each other in the action, which is part of the activists' "summer uprising".

A line of protesters held a sign which read "the air that we grieve" and another pair held one which said: "Silvertown Tunnel no."

In a statement, Eleanor McAree, 25, from Extinction Rebellion Tower Hamlets, said: “Concrete has a huge environmental impact and building another tunnel will only make air pollution across East London worse.

"The air pollution is already at dangerous levels and is affecting the health of children and adults in the area. With the siting of this industry right next to two schools, these children face lifelong negative impact on their health.”

An Extinction Rebellion source earlier told the Standard today's actions in London would be "all about concrete".

Outlining why they picked the site, they detailed links to the Silvertown Tunnel project, which will see a toll road built under the Thames.

A spokeswoman for London Concrete previously said: "We confirm there are currently peaceful protests taking place outside of our London Concrete premises in Bow, East London and we are cooperating with authorities on this matter.

​"We are cognisant of the carbon footprint of cement and concrete and we are at the forefront of efforts to mitigate climate change."

Extinction Rebellion began its five-day summer uprising on Monday, with actions in London, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol and Leeds.

The group has used brightly coloured boats to block roads in each of the cities so far.

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