Minister pledges ‘robust action’ if climate protesters break law during marathon
A minister has said robust action will be taken against climate change protesters if they break the law during the London Marathon. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said it would be terrible if environmental demonstrations held this weekend disrupted the event though activists have vowed to avoid doing so. Extinction Rebellion is staging a four-day protest, which it estimates will attract 40,000 to 50,000 activists, outside Parliament Square on Friday. It has been in talks with the marathon race director to ensure minimal disruption along with Just Stop Oil, which is also planning a protest. Im just going to say now: were not going to disrupt the marathon Mr Harper told LBC: First of all, we do live in a free country and its right that people can protest. But its also important that people dont disrupt other people going about their normal lives. I think it would be terrible for anybody to disrupt the marathon. Thousands of people will have trained for a whole year or more for this, many of them raising money for charity, and I think it would be terrible for people to try and use this as an excuse to make a political point. He added: Well be very robust about dealing with people who break the law. A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said: Were expecting around 40,000-50,000 people to be outside Parliament over the weekend. London Marathon director Hugh Brasher previously said his talks with Extinction Rebellion had prompted the agreement that they will be uniquely asking all their participants to help guard the London Marathon. He said: I trust Extinction Rebellion, they have been very clear of what they are doing and why. I hope Just Stop Oil and the other organisations listen to what we are saying. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial The environmental groups spokeswoman said that while its stewards will protect the runners from the protest, the whole thing has slightly been taken out of context. Weve been in close collaboration with the London Marathon since last year so that our protest can co-exist with the marathon, she said. We met them a couple of days ago and said that we were going to protect people from the protest, and I think what the media has taken that to mean is that were going to protect the race from other groups protesting. Really what we meant by it was that we have stewards who will be helping to keep the area safe. She added that all the organisations signed up to take part in the protest have assured Extinction Rebellion they will not disrupt the marathon. Just Stop Oil confirmed it had also been in talks with the marathon director, and activist Anna Holland told GB News: Im just going to say now: were not going to disrupt the marathon. We do also encourage anyone whos coming to the marathon to also join us to march for the climate because its so important. PA Wire Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Log in New to The Independent? Or if you would prefer: Want an ad-free experience? Hi {{indy.fullName}}