Extinction Rebellion block traffic on the Strand for London Fashion Week protests
The group want to see an end to London Fashion Week, claiming the fashion industry is a major climate change contributor.
Saturday 15 February 2020 12:55, UK
Climate activist group Extinction Rebellion caused anger in central London on Saturday after it blocked busy roads for its fashion week protests.
Dozens of protesters blocked the Strand in Westminster to demand the cancellation of London Fashion Week, which is being held nearby.
Queues of cars, vans and lorries were prevented from driving down the busy road, and could be heard beeping their horns and swearing at the protesters.
The protesters backed down after 20 minutes to allow waiting traffic through, but the group then moved further down the road, blocking two lanes.
A motorbike was seen mounting the pavement to get past the group at one point, while a taxi driver could be heard telling activists to "just f* move".
The move is part of a new wave of disruption by Extinction Rebellion, which is calling for an end to the world-famous London Fashion Week. It claims the fashion industry is a major contributor to climate change.
Earlier in the week, members of the group delivered a letter to the British Fashion Council (BFC), calling on it to cancel the next fashion week which is due to be held in September.
It has warned the BFC that if it does not cancel September's event, then it will "build pressure" and "escalate" its actions.
The BFC have been contacted for comment.
Angela Duncan, spokeswoman for campaign group Animal Rebellion, says that clothing companies have a responsibility to protect the environment.
She told campaigners: "London Fashion Week is a perfect place to showcase these new changes we could have for our world.
"We should be excited about being creative and innovative with our clothes, not just in style but in the production of the clothing.
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"This is the place to lead by example and change the way we understand fashion. Isn't that in itself a dream for artists?"
Meanwhile, protesters also gathered at London Gatwick Airport in Crawley on Saturday morning, to raise awareness about the impact of aircraft pollution.
The small group gathered in the arrivals hall at the south terminal at 9.30am and welcomed travellers with Extinction Rebellion banners, shirts and badges, alongside a man in a tiger costume.
Dan Burke, 16, said that it is important to act now to prevent the crisis getting worse.
He said: "We are already in climate crisis.
"We need to act now and, as we have seen in history, one of the best ways to bring forward actual legislation is to be in non-violent disobedience."
The peaceful activists were watched by security staff, who were seen chatting with some of the campaigners.