Extinction Rebellion, the environmental activism group behind the protests that have ground parts of London to a halt over the last week, has declared its intention to “pause” its rebellion. The change comes as the demonstrations – which have included marches, barricades, and lock-ins – reach the seven day mark, having started on Monday (April 15).
The pause comes with the intention of moving towards political negotiation, with the group wanting to show that they can act as an organised force.
“Today marks a transition from week one, which focused on actions that were vision-holding but also caused mass disruption across many dimensions,” says Farhana Yamin, Extinction Rebellion’s political circle coordinator, as reported by the Daily Mail. “Week two marks a new phase of rebellion focused on negotiations where the focus will shift to our actual political demands.”
“Being able to ‘pause’ a rebellion shows that we are organised and a long-term political force to be reckoned with.”
Though the protests have been peaceful and relations with authorities have mostly remained polite, even friendly, the Met Police have confirmed that over 830 arrests have been made, with 42 charges as of earlier today (April 21).