Environmental campaigners stage naked protest in House of Commons
2 min read
Environmental campaigners have staged a naked protest in the House of Commons.
The 12 men and women - two of whom wore fake elephant ears and trunks - stripped off in the public gallery as MPs debated Brexit.
The protesters - from the 'Extinction Rebellion' group - had painted slogans including 'Eco Collapse', 'Climate Justice - Act Now' and 'Respect Life' on their bodies and stood on the chairs so they were in full view of the stunned politicians.
Some of the campaigners glued their hands to the sound-proof security glass separating visitors from the House of Commons chamber below to make it harder for them to be removed.
Members of the public were escorted from the gallery while six police officers entered to arrest the protesters.
Although officials disapprove of photographs being taken inside Parliament, Tory MP James Heappey snapped the protest from his seat in the Commons.
On their website, Extinction Rebellion demand politicians do more to tackle climate change.
They say: "The Government must tell the truth about the climate and wider ecological emergency, reverse inconsistent policies and work alongside the media to communicate with citizens.
"The Government must enact legally binding policy measures to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to reduce consumption levels.
"A national Citizen’s Assembly to oversee the changes, as part of creating a democracy fit for purpose."
The protest took place as Labour MP Peter Kyle spoke in favour of his motion calling for another referendum on whatever Brexit deal is backed by MPs.
At one point, he thanked one MP for his "cheeky intervention" on his speech.
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