A senior Metropolitan Police officer hit out at a “tiny minority” of protesters from a climate strike action in London following eight arrests.
Commander Dave Musker, who was leading the Met’s operations for the Global Strike Youth 4 Climate, praised the vast majority of people who took to the streets of the capital.
Eight people were arrested throughout the day, seven for breaching the public order conditions imposed on demonstrators and one on suspicion of letting off a flare on Lambeth Bridge.
Commander Musker said: “The vast majority of today’s protesters abided by the conditions and the day ran smoothly. We continued to engage with the event organisers, and due to the fact that protesters had adhered to our conditions, agreed to allow a procession to move off from Millbank and return to Parliament Square.
“A tiny minority of protesters took this to mean that they could attempt to block Lambeth Bridge, a key route for emergency services to St Thomas’ Hospital.
“I will not accept the actions of those who ignore clear conditions set for the protest and appear determined to break the law.”
Global Climate Strike: September 2019 - In pictures
Protesters took to the streets across the world (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Conditions were made under Section 14 of the Public Order act to keep protestors on Millbank and Abingdon Street.
Protests took place all over the world, inspired by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg.
She said: “I would never have predicted or believed that this was going to happen someday and so fast."
Speakers including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed the crowds, with the 70-year-old telling the Standard that he will "kick-start a green industrial revolution" if he gets into power.
