Extinction Rebellion expressed its regret over the clashes with commuters and acknowledged the action at Canning Town Tube station in east London was “divisive” and said several of its members had acted “autonomously”. And their demonstration at Gatwick was toned down amid a growing public backlash against the ongoing climate change protests.

We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way

Extinction Rebellion

A handful of activists arrived at the airport near Crawley, West Sussex, at about 11am but made no attempt to disrupt passengers.

The group of about 20 Extinction Rebellion supporters, including a caped flautist, played music and offered leaflets to passengers passing through the international arrivals hall at Gatwick’s South terminal.

The protesters moved on when asked to do so by police and there were no arrests.

The low-key airport demo was in stark contrast to the earlier ugly scenes in Canning Town.

Furious commuters at the crowded station lobbed drinks at one protester before he was yanked from the train to the platform floor, to the apparent delight of the cheering crowd.

Video shared on social media showed protesters holding a sign which read “Business as usual = death”, while the activist pulled to the floor appeared to kick out at the commuter who pulled him down.

A Transport for London staff member appeared to intervene to stop people from attacking the male Extinction Rebellion activist further by holding them back.

One man yelled: “I need to get to work, I have to feed my kids,” while others shouted insults at activists.

British Transport Police said eight people had been arrested on suspicion of obstructing the railway on and urged commuters not to “take matters into their own hands”.

Acting chief constable Sean O’Callaghan said: “It is important that commuters and other rail users allow the police, who are specially trained, to manage these incidents.”

In a statement, Extinction Rebellion said: “It is regretful that there was violence at today’s action at Canning Town tube station. We would like to express our sadness that events escalated this way.

“We are aware that one of our activists responded in self-defence in a moment of panic when confronted by a threatening situation.

“He acknowledges his accountability for this action and we offer gratitude for members of the public who helped to protect him.”

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The group apologised for the disruption caused to commuters, but said the incident should not create “unnecessary division”.

“Rather than let this incident divide, at this moment of heightened attention, we think it is right to reach out to you, to invite you to have a conversation about what happened today,” the statement added.

“In light of today’s events, Extinction Rebellion will be looking at ways to bring people together rather than create an unnecessary division.

“The people involved today did not take this action lightly. They were a grandfather, an ex-Buddhist teacher, a vicar and a former GP, among others, who acted out of rational fear for the future as this crisis deepens.”

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