Lloyd’s of London has told staff and insurance traders to work from home after its iconic London headquarters was targeted by protesters from Extinction Rebellion.
“We have advised corporation employees and market participants not to come to the building today,” Lloyd’s said in a 12 April statement, citing safety concerns.
“The market remains open and trading is continuing online using our remote capabilities,” the statement added.
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Climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion said that more than 60 of its activists blocked entrances to Lloyd’s headquarters on Lime Street at 7am on 12 April in a demonstration over the insurance market’s role underwriting fossil fuel projects.
The group said in a press statement that the protest aimed to “close the London based insurance and reinsurance giant for the day.”
Extinction Rebellion said its protesters used chains, superglue and bike locks to block over 25 entrances to the building. Climbers also scaled the building and dropped banners.
“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,” said Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Clare Walmsley.
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“Lloyd’s supports safe and constructive engagement on climate change and we’re continuing to work to support a responsible transition,” Lloyd’s statement said.
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