Climate activists set up camp in Windsor park

08 09 2024 | 17:43

Extinction Rebellion activists have set up camp in Windsor's Home Park.

Tents, stages and speakers were set up on Friday morning ready for a weekend of peaceful action.

The group does not have permission to be on the site but has been liaising with authorities according to a group spokesperson.

Thames Valley Police officers are also at the park. The force warned it would "not tolerate criminal behaviour".

Activist Marijn van de Geer, 41, said there was no plan to cause public disruption and the gathering was "100% not an attack at the King".

He said: "As an individual he has spoken out a lot about the environment.

"He was well ahead of his days at the time when he was talking about it and everyone was laughing at him."

Spokesperson Etienne Stott, who won a gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics in the canoe slalom, said: "We're here to have a conversation about how our political system is floundering in tackling the climate and environment crisis.

"We're exercising our rights to gather and assemble, we've been liaising with the police and the local authorities and we made sure that our activities are understood.

"We've told the police our plans and they understand what out goals are."

A police spokesperson said: "We have been in contact with the organisers and are working closely with partners to deliver a comprehensive plan, facilitating peaceful protest and ensuring the safety of all those in attendance and other members of the public."

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