Police vow to minimise disruption on second day of Extinction Rebellion protests

THE second day of protests begin in multiple cities across the UK, with Cardiff seeing disruption to the roads in the city centre.

The Extinction Rebellion outlined their plans, stating: “Cardiff will be transformed by the arrival of concerned citizens from across Wales who are determined to highlight the need for the Welsh Government to dramatically accelerate its actions in tackling the climate crisis and ecological emergency. Meeting outside the Cardiff National Museum, rebels will disrupt central space in Cardiff dressed in yellow to represent the dead canaries coal miners used as an advanced warning of danger. The Uprising in Cardiff will also feature live music, poetry and spoken word, peoples’ assemblies, storytelling and talks.”

Head of Operations for South Wales Police, Chief Superintendent Stuart Parfitt said: “We completely understand the frustration felt by the public who need to access the city centre and we are working closely with Cardiff Council to manage and minimise the disruption, following well-practiced road closure arrangements.”

“The protest – which is part of a national campaign – has remained peaceful to date, with protestors refraining from causing damage, disorder or intimidation. The group has also acted with consideration when emergency vehicles have needed to access the blocked highways.”

“While there is legislation relating to obstruction of highways, this needs to be balanced with the human rights of those protesting. Everybody under the law has the right to protest peacefully and lawfully and the police must respect that right whilst also recognising the impact on the wider public.”

“Should the situation escalate, South Wales Police will respond accordingly, taking into account the rights of all those concerned.