Extinction Rebellion pledge 2 million protesters for 'largest act of civil resistance in UK history'

Eco-group Extinction Rebellion are threatening to mobilise two million protestors to kick off 'the largest act of civil resistance in UK history' in April 2022.

The environmentalists, best known for its disruptive tactics, made the pledge today after criticising the COP26 climate summit, saying it did not achieve enough to solve the fossil fuels crisis.

XR blamed the Covid pandemic for dwindling numbers at their demonstrations, but are hopeful that as the UK eases out of it, participation will increase.

XR spokesman Nuala Gathercole Lam said: "While our mass participation campaigns of 2019 played a significant role in driving forward the recognition of the climate and ecological crisis, XR's actions have not yet brought about the real action on the part of government needed to reduce emissions and restore biodiversity.

"That's why in 2022 we will be working to grow our numbers and developing designs for civil resistance campaigns, the first of which will take place in April 2022.

"Our mobilisation program will continue to build numbers through the year with the aim of achieving XR's three demands.

"The failure of COP26, and indeed the COP process generally, is devastating but not surprising – it is clearer than ever now that it's up to all of us.'