Northern Ireland

Belfast hosts Extinction Rebellion climate change protest

Protestors at an Extinction Rebellion demonstration at Oxford Circus, London. Picture by Kirsty O'Connor.
Protestors at an Extinction Rebellion demonstration at Oxford Circus, London. Picture by Kirsty O'Connor. Protestors at an Extinction Rebellion demonstration at Oxford Circus, London. Picture by Kirsty O'Connor.

The group behind climate change protests which have brought parts of London to a standstill is to hold a demonstration in Belfast today.

Members of Extinction Rebellion have urged people to join them at a protest at Castle Place for a "non-violent, peaceful act of rebellion" and to "celebrate our love for all life on earth".

The group's London demonstrations have seen hundreds of arrests made, while Met police have warned that officers were being diverted from "core local duties" as a result. Major traffic routes in the city have been blocked, while a number of arrests were made earlier this week when protestors glued themselves to the roof of a train.

The demonstration in Belfast will be one of many taking place in cities around the world as part of what the group are calling an 'Awareness Day'.

Speaking ahead of today's Belfast event, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Northern Ireland (XRNI) said: "This is an opportunity to learn from one another and explore how we can build a beautiful and resilient future for everyone. There will be child-friendly artist-led actions taking place, alongside music, spoken word, colourful banners and flags, and circus skills.

"XRNI want to add to the growing international chorus calling on governments to respond adequately to our direct existential threat."