Extinction Rebellion force Lloyd's of London to close headquarters after blocking entrance

More than 60 Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists began surrounding the Lime Street building from 7am on Tuesday to stop staff from entering the site.

The environmental protest group said it is demanding that Lloyd’s of London stops insuring fossil fuels projects.

Lloyd’s, which describes itself as the world’s specialist insurance and reinsurance market, has advised employees not to come to the building.

City of London Police said it is “aware of groups of protesters at Liverpool Street Station and the Lloyd’s building on Lime Street” and that officers are at the scene.

XR said people had also scaled the outside of the building and unfurled banners, reading “End Fossil Fuels Now” and “Insure Climate Justice”.

Extinction Rebellion Protest: Lloyd’s of London

A Lloyd’s spokesperson said: “Lloyd’s supports safe and constructive engagement on climate change and we’re continuing to work to support a responsible transition.

“In the interests of our people’s safety, we have advised Corporation employees and market participants not to come to the building today. The market remains open and trading is continuing online using our remote capabilities.”

Of Tuesday’s demonstration, XR spokesperson Clare Walmsley said: “We’re here to demand an end to all new fossil fuel investments and insurance. By underwriting the world’s most deadly fossil fuel projects, they are creating climate chaos – floods, famine, wildfires and death.

“Insuring new oil and gas projects in the North Sea will do nothing to solve the cost of living crisis either. Instead, it locks us into a system that’s already pushing millions into poverty.”

The action comes after activists from Just Stop Oil and Extinction Rebellion caused Tower Bridge to be closed for several hours on Friday morning.

Police were called to the bridge after protesters occupied the famous landmark and unveiled a green banner with black writing reading: “End fossil fuels now”.