DOZENS of Cumbrians have been arrested so far in connection with the ongoing Extinction Rebellion protests happening in London.

The protestors have been causing mass disruption across the capital, spontaneously blocking roads at strategic sites, particularly during rush hour.

Extinction rebellion (XR) is calling on the government to act on the findings of the world’s climate scientists, who say humanity has only around a decade to limit the climate crisis.

Outdoor educator Steve Grice, who was arrested along with fellow Kendal resident Maggie Mason, said: “Like so many others, I’ve always been very law-abiding, and have never done anything like this before.

“But when the Government fails to protect its citizens I feel I have a moral duty to take peaceful action to force them to take notice”.

Kendal’s professor Mike Berners-Lee, renowned climate science expert, and author of award-winning book ‘There is no Planet B’, visited the protests

He said: “The science has been crystal clear for decades but has been largely ignored and now it has come to a crisis.

“The latest science is incredibly worrying. so it is a case of: ‘If not this way, how? And if not now, when?’

“That is why I am in total support of XR’s non-violent, respectful direct action to insist on the big change that we urgently need.”

The sites targeted by the rebel group include the City of London financial district, demanding that banks stop funding and profiting from climate breakdown as well as an oil and gas conference.

Cumbrians also joined an action at new Scotland yard in solidarity with disabled activists who had had their equipment, including accessible tents, toilets and wheelchair ramps, seized by the police.

Tony Hill, from Burneside, who was arrested outside New Scotland Yard on Sunday, said: “My experience as a police officer and paratrooper is all very well, but nothing to the bravery I witnessed among the XR protestors.

“It was truly humbling. Everyone is serving their country and linking arms, peacefully across the world, in solidarity.

“Nothing will ever be the same again.”

Edward Rosbotham, of Sedbergh, said: “The climate crisis isn’t going away, and neither are we.

“If the Government doesn’t act we’ll be back again, in even greater numbers.”