FAITH groups have occupied Lambeth Bridge in London as part of the latest protest against climate change.

Christian banners are prominent among the protesters, and the bridge was secured despite early arrests by police. Christian agencies are holding a prayer vigil in the centre of the bridge, and campaigners have begun to erect tents and gazebos to make it more difficult for the police to move them on.

Similar attempts to occupied Westminster Bridge were thwarted by police, who quickly broke up a make-shift stage. Protesters on Victoria Embankment, in the Mall, and in Whitehall, have, however, succeeded in establishing a presence, and, by late morning, Downing Street was inaccessible from Whitehall. The police reported mid-morning that there had been 135 arrests.

The intention to occupy Lambeth Bridge was signalled well in advance, and Christians and members of other faiths have been invited to take part in a planned series of services and vigils. An Extinction Rebellion flag is flying from St John’s, Waterloo.

The Metropolitan Police said last week that the policing operation would be “proportionate to balance the right to a peaceful protest, while ensuring disruption to communities is kept to a minimum” (News, 4 October).