'We're quitting' - British climate activists no longer want to get stuck

British climate activists from the group Extinction Rebellion no longer want to stick to buildings or block roads for the time being. This and similar methods of civil disobedience have not had the desired effect, said the British affiliate of the group Extinction Rebellion in a post entitled "We quit".

"As we ring in the New Year, we make a controversial decision to temporarily move away from public disruption as a primary tactic," the group said in a statement on its website on New Year's Day. "We recognize and celebrate the power of disruption to alarm," it said. However, it is necessary for tactics to constantly evolve.

Instead, to advance the goal of getting politicians, businesses and the public to "end the fossil fuel era," the focus will be on supporting actions like trying to get 100,000 people to leave the Houses of Parliament in London to encircle on April 21st.

"At a time when taking a stand and taking action is criminalized, building collective power, increasing numbers and prospering by building bridges is a radical act," it said. "This year, we're prioritizing participation over arrests and relationships over roadblocks as we stand together no longer to be ignored."

Last year, in response to protests by Extinction Rebellion and other groups, the Conservative government in London gave police greater powers to break up disruptive protests and increased penalties for blocking streets, which can now be punished with jail.

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