Impossible Rebellion: photos of XR blocking a London junction
- Text by Ben Smoke
- Photography by Aiyush Pachnanda
Yesterday (23 August), thousands of people descended upon central London for the first day of Extinction Rebellion’s “Impossible Rebellion”. The rebellion marks the fourth iteration of the group’s extended periods of civil disobedience and action on climate change since they launched in October 2018, and is due to take place over two weeks.
Crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square yesterday to hear speeches from activists and organisers before marching through the streets. As they did so, a separate group of activists arrived in Covent Garden, setting up a four-metre high pink table, blocking one of the area’s busiest junctions. In a press release the group stated that the structure, which was painted with the words “come to the table” and included sleeping quarters, was “set to be the centerpiece of Extinction Rebellion’s Crisis Talks, the first, crucial part of the Rebellion, where the group intends to engage with the general public about the climate and ecological emergency and invite everyone to come to the table to discuss where humanity must go next.”
Activists locked themselves to the table and glued chairs to the road. Following the implementation of conditions on the protest via section 14 of the public order act by the police, officers moved in to start making arrests to try and clear the road.
According to the Metropolitan Police, as of 10:15pm last night 52 arrests had been made. Photographer Aiyush Pachnada was there to capture the action.
Follow Aiyush Pachnanda on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
An evening with the South London Warlords
The art of war — From Warhammer to Burrows and Badgers, the small Dulwich community has been fortifying defences and launching invasions since 1971. Ryan Loftus dives into the wonderful world of wargaming.
Written by: Ryan Loftus
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The rise of France’s rollerskiing scene, as its snowfall thins
Carving road — With changing climates forcing skiers to travel higher up mountains in search of quality powder, a small community is turning to tarmac and building a new vision of the sport that doesn’t rely on winter.
Written by: Flore Boitel
The Pope has declared holy war on AI
The New Butlerian Jihad — In his first encyclical letter, Pope Leo XIV addressed the increasing pervasiveness of artificial intelligence as a threat to the already fragile structures of society. Newsletter columnist Emma Garland makes sense of it all.
Written by: Emma Garland
