EXTINCTION Rebellion activists have said they have “no choice” but to cause disruption in Glasgow during COP26.
Thousands of delegates, world leaders and media will descend on the city during the first two weeks of November for the climate summit, which is being held at the SEC.
And thousands of demonstrators are planning a march through the city on November 6, however members of Extinction Rebellion have indicated that “targeted disruption” is coming.
One ‘rebel’, who identified as Ruth D during an interview with Radio Clyde News, said: “As usual, we're going to be doing some of the things that we're famous for - we will be doing targeted disruption.
“And I say targeted, because we consult with disadvantaged communities, to see how we can avoid disrupting their lives.”
She added: “Obviously, there are disruptions that I can't talk about because we always do plan things that are quite secretive, I suppose.
“And we couldn't give away our plans. Otherwise, the police would instantly know and prevent them.”
Police have previously issued a warning to the group ahead of such behaviours.
On Saturday, activists from the group appeared to breach security during a protest at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire.
They claimed to block all entrances during their demonstration against emissions from private jets ahead of the climate summit.
Footage posted by the group appears to show activists using wire cutters to break into the grounds through a perimeter fence.
According to the official Extinction Rebellion website, the group “will support disruptive action in Glasgow as far as possible without over committing on resources”.
Ruth accepted that many people may be “fed up” with the protesting but said the severity of the situation meant there are no alternatives.
READ MORE: Extinction Rebellion activists 'break in' to airport during protest ahead of COP26
She said: "Disruption seems to be the only thing that really gets the government's attention because they really, really don't like it.
“We tried petitions, we tried protest marches. We tried talking to MPs we tried right into MPs and MSPs.
“And it was always the same response: ‘Yeah, yeah, of course, yeah, we care… But basically, we're not going to do anything about it’.
“That's what we found. And because we care so much, we are willing to put ourselves on the line and be disruptive. "
She continued: "I can totally understand why people are fed up of this. I totally get that.
“But there are two things I would say the first one is… this is how bad the situation is, we're heading for 3.5 degrees.
“And by the end of the century, and that's disaster, that's runaway climate change that you cannot stop.
“And we're on target to exceed the limits that we agreed at the last COP25 in Paris, we're way way over that. So, the situation is really severe.”
It comes as Police Scotland urged the public to be the “extra eyes and ears" for the force during the summit to combat crime, including terrorism.
They have launched Project Servator, a six-week anti-crime and anti-terror scheme, which they say will be a key part of the policing operation for the UN conference.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hargreaves, silver commander for the policing operation at the summit, said: “COP26 is one of the largest policing operations the UK has seen and we plan to utilise all resources at our disposal to support the delivery of a safe and secure event.
“Project Servator has proven to be an effective tactic in helping to disrupt criminal activity and keep people safe and has been deployed successfully at major events in the past, such as the Commonwealth Games and Edinburgh Festivals."
Officers on Project Servator are supported by specialist resources including police dogs and horses, armed units, CCTV operators and security staff.
Superintendent Dave Marshall, of British Transport Police, said: “We’ve been using Project Servator across the railway network for nearly six years now and seen first-hand the effectiveness of this tactic in deterring crime and terrorism, particularly when it comes to policing significant events.
“Project Servator will form a vital part of our policing operation for Cop26, as we work closely with Police Scotland and our railway partners to ensure the safety and security of the travelling public.”
He said passengers can expect to see search dogs and armed police on patrol as part of Project Servator and urged those travelling to assist by reporting anything suspicious, either on the force’s text number 61016 or through 999 in an emergency.
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