Extinction Rebellion in fourth day of protests at Esso oil facility in London
Since Friday, campaigners have carried out a number of protests at oil terminals and refineries across the UK with the government being urged to "to stop all new fossil fuel investments immediately".
Monday 4 April 2022 13:45, UK
Protests by climate change campaigners have entered a fourth day with the blockade of an oil facility in west London.
Extinction Rebellion said around 30 protesters returned to the Esso West oil facility near Heathrow Airport at 4am on Monday.
The action group warned it was "here to stay" and "will continue to block oil facilities until the government agrees to stop all new fossil fuel investments immediately".
In a statement, the Extinction Rebellion said campaigners were blocking the entrance with two bamboo structures and two large banners that said "Join Us - London 9th April" and "Stop Fossil Fuels Now".
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the force is aware of the protest and officers are at the scene.
UK public wants 'faster action as energy crisis hits'
Andrew Smith, from Extinction Rebellion, said: "We're here to say that climate action cannot wait.
"Right now, governments are choosing to exploit the crisis in Ukraine to hand out oil licences and continue the fossil fuel economy that's destroying us.
"The reality is, the UK public wants faster action on climate as the energy crisis hits.
"We know what is happening and what needs to be done - by acting in favour of corporate interest over the will of the people, the government is showing contempt for the people who elected them.
"How long ago did our prime minister say COP26 was our last chance to save humanity? And now they're sidelining climate policy once again. This is not living in reality."
The group said further action is expected on 9 April in London's Hyde Park.
Read more: Arrests as activists disrupt oil terminals
Since Friday, Extinction Rebellion and a second campaign group, Just Stop Oil, have staged a number of protests at oil terminals and refineries across the UK.
During the weekend, Just Stop Oil blocked oil depots in Grays, Purfleet, Buncefield, Tamworth and central Birmingham.
More than 80 people were arrested in Essex over the weekend, while 14 were held in Staines in Surrey. Six were arrested in Birmingham.