Protests hit Lloyd’s of London HQ for fossil fuel insurance

Climate change protesters in London have targeted insurance underwriting house Lloyd’s of London for its role in enabling fossil fuel projects.

The City of London Police said they were aware of protests at London’s Liverpool Street Station and the Lloyd’s building on Lime Street. At least 10 police vans were seen outside the building, and a helicopter hovered above.

The Extinction Rebellion activists unfurled a banner from the external staircase of the Lloyd’s building that read “end fossil fuels now,” and blocked the main entrance of the building, although workers could still be seen to be entering through alternative entrances.

Lloyd’s of London advised its employees and guests not to come to the building in light of the protests, but the market remains open and trading is continuing online, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“Lloyd’s supports safe and constructive engagement on the issue of climate change and we continue to explore the ways in which Lloyd’s can support a responsible transition,” the spokesperson added.

Extinction Rebellion is a mostly U.K.-based activist group who carry out disruptive and dramatic protests with the aim of sparking action to tackle climate change.

--With assistance from Will Louch and Tom Metcalf.