The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Activists pulled from train by commuters
● Protest at London Tube station branded ‘disruptive’
Extinction Rebellion has expressed its regret over ugly scenes in east London during yesterday’s rush hour, after an activist was dragged to the ground from the top of a Tube train.
The group acknowledged the action at Canning Town Tube station was “divisive” and said several of its members had acted “autonomously”.
But it maintained that the actions were planned within their core principles of compassion and nonviolence.
Furious commuters at the crowded station lobbed drinks at one protester before he was yanked from the train to the platform floor, much to the apparent delight of the cheering crowd.
Video shared on social media showed protesters holding a sign which read “Business as usual = death”, while the activist pulled to the floor appeared to kick out at the commuter who pulled him down.
In a statement, Extinction Rebellion (XR) said: “It is regretful that there was violence at today’s action at Canning Town tube station. We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way.”
The group apologised for the disruption caused to commuters, but said the incident should not create “unnecessary division”.
“Rather than let this incident divide, at this moment of heightened attention, we think it is right to reach out to you, to invite you to have a conversation about what happened today,” the statement added.
“The people involved today did not take this action lightly. They were a grandfather, an exBuddhist teacher, a vicar and a former GP, among others, who acted out of rational fear for the future as this crisis deepens.”
British Transport Police said eight people had been arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway yesterday morning, and also urged commuters not to “take matters into their own hands”.
A member of Transport for London staff appeared to intervene to stop people from attacking the activist.
One man yelled: “I need to get to work, I have to feed my kids,” while others shouted insults at activists.
British Transport Police also said they were investigating the response from commuters.
XR spokesman Howard Rees, 39, told the PA news agency: “Was it the right thing to do? I am not sure.
“I think we will have to have a period of reflection.”
Mr Rees, a PR worker from London, said the intention was not to “inconvenience hardworking people”, and said he did not think the apparently unsympathetic mood on the platform was indicative of a decrease in public support, despite many posts on the XR London Facebook page expressing concern that the stunt was counterproductive.
He said: “We’re in a life or death situation right now. The only thing the government is interested in is money, so that’s why the transport system was targeted.”
The action is the latest in a series from the anticlimate change group, who have been banned from protesting in London.
A legal bid to overturn the order was to reach the High Court yesterday.
“We’re in a life or death situation right now”