Extinction Rebellion protesters have attached themselves to the Speaker’s chair in the House of Commons and padlocked their necks to the railings outside.
The campaign group said around 50 of its supporters “took non-violent action” demanding a citizens’ assembly to discuss the climate crisis.
Five protesters were photographed in the House of Commons, with some signs reading “let the people decide” and “citizens’ assembly now”.
They are understood to have entered the building after booking an official visit, before breaking away from the group to protest.
Two protesters could also be seen with padlocks around their necks and chained to the front doors of the Houses of Parliament.
Banners have also been thrown at the Palace of Westminster building.
In a tweet, Extinction Rebellion said: “The protest points to the need for a citizens’ assembly to stamp out corruption at Westminster, update policy and let the people decide.”
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Image: Extinction Rebellion protesters, who have locked their necks on railings, outside the Houses of Parliament Image: Extinction Rebellion protesters demonstrating on scaffolding, erected for renovation work, outside of the Houses of Parliament,
Shortly after 12 o’clock at night, emergency police vehicles, firefighters and ambulances arrived at the scene.
A police helicopter was also seen flying over parliament.
Parliament is currently in its summer recess until Monday, when it will be confirmed whether Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak have won the Tory leadership race.
A speech read by campaigners in the chamber said: “We are in crisis. And what happens every day in this chamber is a joke to us all. We cannot afford to continue like this.”
A spokesman for the House of Commons said: “We are aware of an incident at the parliamentary estate and are currently dealing with the situation as a matter of urgency.”