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Extinction Rebellion pour fake oil over steps of Labour headquarters

CLIMATE activists today poured a pool of fake oil over the steps of the Labour Party’s London headquarters and let off smoke grenades to demand the party pledges further action.

Two activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) climbed onto the portico and set off the canisters, while another chained himself to a handrail.

Other supporters held up banners saying: “Cut the ties to fossil fuels.”

The protesters called on Labour to do more than stop issuing new oil licences if it wins the next general election but promise to cancel any oil licences granted by the Conservatives.

Campaigners also called for a manifesto commitment to make the transition to renewables an urgent priority of a new Labour government.

The action in south-east London followed an XR protest in Parliament Square on Saturday involving an effigy of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer dressed as Margaret Thatcher.

Protester Heather Wilde, 18, from Lincoln, said: “I am terrified for my future, our leaders have totally let down my generation.

“Labour has scaled down its commitment to fund the transition to clean energy, saying it will wait until the economy grows first.

“This concept is doomed to failure, while the economy is still dominated by fossil fuel use, increased growth will inevitably mean increased greenhouse gas emissions.

“We cannot afford more delay, we demand immediate action on climate breakdown from a new Labour administration.”

Jessica Upton, a vet and foster carer from Oxford, said: “Voters desperately want climate breakdown addressed, Labour must step up and commit to addressing this existential threat.”

Labour was approached for comment.

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