Greenpeace protestors cling to parliament
Greenpeace protestors continue rooftop protest from parliament over lack of action on climate change
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Monday, 12, Oct 2009 12:19
More than two dozen environmental protestors are braving the autumn chill from the rooftops of parliament to greet MPs arriving in Westminster today.
Greenpeace said 31 activists remained at the scene of the protest after climbing the roof at the visitors entrance yesterday, while 24 came down to be arrested and bailed by police.
As MPs return to parliament after the long summer recess, demonstrators are aiming to unveil a 12-point manifesto for tackling climate change.
Protestors unfurled bankers reading "Change the politics, save the climate" over anger the party conference season failed to address the issue.
Greenpeace is calling for a halt to airport expansion, more wind power and pollution taxes to be on the agenda at the Copenhagen climate change summit this December.
Commenting, Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker said: "There is understandable concern about the need to move faster and more effectively to tackle climate change, and Greenpeace are right to seek to protest in a peaceful way. But I would have preferred it if they had not done it by breaching the House of parliament.
"It shows that things are not as they should be in security terms. The House authorities really need to sort this out."
The Metropolitan police said they had arrested 20 people on suspicion of trespassing on a protected site.
Protestors, who originally scaled the roof with ropes and ladders, have said they intend to remain there for the rest of the day.