The Big One: Extinction Rebellion activists descend on central London to continue four-day campaign

Extinction Rebellion activists will continue their four-day campaign in central London on Saturday.

More than 30,000 people have said they will attend the protests, branded “The Big One” which began on Friday.

On the second day, the group will mark Earth Day and will mark it with a “unite for nature rally".

The rally is set to be staged in Abingdon Street, near the Houses of Parliament from 1pm, with speeches from Chris Packham, Dave Goulson, Jyoti Fernandes of the Land Workers’ Alliance, and Delia Mattis of Black Lives Matter.

The four-day campaign will be XR’s first major action since announcing it would move away from more controversial methods of protest and “prioritise attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks”.

In the first day, groups of protesters chanted and danced outside Government departments in Westminster on Friday as they called for more action to tackle the climate crisis.

Protesters also held signs calling for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to scrap plans to develop Rosebank oil and gas field that lies west of Shetland.

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham makes eco rallying call at ‘The Big One’ demo

17:13 , John Dunne

Wildlife presenter Chris Packham has made a rallying call for “every last person who cares” about the planet to join Extinction Rebellion after thousands took part in a demonstration on Saturday.

The 61-year-old broadcaster spoke to the crowd from a stage close to Parliament Square, Westminster, during the second day of a mass protest the climate group has called “The Big One”.

Around 50,000 people are expected to join the action between April 21-24, which has garnered support from more than 200 organisations including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth.

On Saturday, which is also the 53rd global Earth Day, Packham told protesters their “mission” was to “build as wide a community as possible”.

He said: “Our planet is in crisis and if we don’t take action then we will not protect that life, which includes us.

“One thing is clear and that is that we need to step up… We want every last person who cares to get involved, because caring is not enough.”

Packham commended two Just Stop Oil protesters who were jailed on Friday after scaling the Dartford Crossing bridge in Kent for “sacrificing” their freedom through the “enormous act of bravery”.

Morgan Trowland, 40, was imprisoned for three years over the stunt, while Marcus Decker, 34, was jailed for two years and seven months.

Thousands take part in sit down protest around Parliament

17:10 , John Dunne

Marathon organisers flag green credentials as environmental protesters pack London

16:13 , John Dunne

The 2023 TCS London Marathon coincides with the third day of an Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest but the event’s organisers are already taking steps to reduce its environmental impact.

At least 45,000 people are expected to take part in the race while a similar number of climate activists could be on the streets near the 26.2 mile route although XR said it is coordinating with the race’s organisers and does not plan to disrupt runners.

London Marathon Events (LME) aims to reach net zero carbon emissions across its own operations by 2024 and remove more carbon than it emits across all event operations by 2025.

Event director Hugh Brasher said it is “passionately committed” to minimising the environmental impacts of its events which also include the Brighton Marathon, The Big Half, Royal Parks Half, London 10,000, Westminster Mile, Great City Race, Ride London cycle event and Swim Serpentine.

Runners who complete 26.2 miles on Sunday April 23 will receive a New Balance finisher T-shirt made from 100% recycled polyester.

15:41 , John Dunne

A march calling for bio-diversity is part of The Big One Climate Protest Day 2.

Video: Activists speak on the importance of Earth Day

14:51 , Bill Mcloughlin

As protesters gather in central, the Standard has spoken to some on why today’s event is so important.

Pictures: Activists gather for day two

12:46 , Bill Mcloughlin

Activists have begun to gather in central London for day two of Extinction Rebellion’s campaign.

Plan for The Big One day two

10:27 , Bill Mcloughlin

Pictures from Friday’s protest

09:29 , Bill Mcloughlin

The group kicked off the protest in central London on Friday to highlight the climate crisis.

Extinction Rebellion kicks off day two of campaign

08:08 , Bill Mcloughlin

Good morning and welcome to the Standard’s coverage of the “The Big One” campaign.

Day two coincides with Earth Day which will be marked across the world.