EXTINCTION REBELLION (XR) took to the streets of Leeds today handing out free food and pledging that their campaign for action on the environment will continue next year.

Activists displayed a Christmas tree bare of foliage as a warning for the future if governments do not take action on climate change.

They also handed out food to shoppers in the city centre for an “XRistmas Dinner.”

Simon of Leeds Extinction Rebellion said: “We have a stall where we are giving away stuff as a way of showing we do not have to be consumed by consumerism at Christmas.

“We’re doing alternative carols which reflect the issue of climate change and awareness of the emergency.

“We also have a climate Christmas tree which is barren and bare and has lots of rubbish on it, and messages from the public about what they fear, what they are worried about with respect to the climate emergency. We intend to try to deliver these to the council.”

Simon, who is a researcher, asked that his surname not be used.

The group also said: “We fed hungry shoppers, passionate rebels and the homeless community, who are being failed by our broken system and will be worst affected by climate breakdown.”

The food served came from the Food Revival warehouse in Pudsey in west Leeds.

The warehouse saves food which would otherwise be sent from supermarkets to landfill because it has not been sold.

The food was distributed in Briggate, one of the busiest shopping thoroughfares in Leeds.