Extinction Rebellion closes Mill Road

The Extinction Rebellion movement closed off Mill Road on Saturday (March 2).

For two hours the city's traffic at the Parker's Piece end of the road was blockaded by around 120 demonstrators who are asking governments to address climate change issues as a matter of urgency.

"This is the biggest non-violent act of civil disobedience in Cambridge yet," speaker Nathan Williams told the crowd, which was there for a picnic in the street with music and dancing for the cause, which comes as February was declared the hottest month on record in the UK.

"When insects die, we die," the crowd heard. "We're here to take the action they don't want to take. We've tried handing out leaflets, writing to MPs, asking if they will change, and they've ignored us. This is the wilful abandonment of future generations. Last week in Parliament just a handful of MPs attended to discuss how to mitigate the effects of climate change - this after the hottest ever February and wildfires raging across the UK.

"They no longer deserve our compliance but we can and must change the system. This event is in advance of the international Extinction Rebellion week in April and we hope you will join us for that."

Traffic on Mill Road was brought to a standstill. The bus service was disrupted with passengers disembarking to continue their journey on foot. Cars turned around to seek alternative routes.

Organisers told the Cambridge Independent that while the police had not sanctioned the standstill, they had been informed. Officers were attending. There were no incidents or disturbances - other than to the traffic.