Extinction Rebellion protesters have blocked major routes into Cambridge as part of a week of protesting in the city (Picture: BPM media)

Thousands of people have condemned Extinction Rebellion after activists blocked a road and refused to let an ambulance through.

Members of the group are currently into their second day of a blockade in Cambridge, which has led to road closures and misery for commuters.

Nearly 3,000 people have now signed a petition demanding that authorities take action to end the group’s ‘irresponsible and illegal blockade of the city’ after reports that even cancer patients were being prevented from reaching their appointments.

Organisers of the petition say they are calling upon the police, as well as the Police and Crime Commissioner, to ‘do everything in their power to enforce the law and remove Extinction Rebellion’s illegal roadblock’.




It comes as the Cambridge branch of Extinction Rebellion continues its week-long blockade of Trumpington Road and Fen Causeway, which has led to police taking emergency action and enforcing road closures.

The petition’s co-organiser, Matt Bird, said: ‘We must tackle climate change, but this goes well beyond reasonable protest.’

The Cambridge branch of Extinction Rebellion has started a week-long road blockade of the city (Picture: Getty)

Many residents also took to social media to voice their anger at the blockade.

Brian Parker said: ‘Already have, people have had enough of them doing what they like and disrupting ordinary folk going about their business. It seems one law for them and one for us.

‘Myself if it was me I’d tear down their illegal roadblock and drive through.’

Rosemary Hall said: ‘Disgraceful, causing stress to someone who does not know the area who had to have vital cancer treatment. ‘

Mark Souter said: ‘They wouldn’t let a lady go through the barrier to get to Nuffield hospital for her appointment stage four cancer is that not a threat to life.’

Petition organiser Mr Bird added: ‘One of XR’s demands is that Cambridge City Council surrenders significant powers to an unelected Citizens’ Assembly.

‘It’s unacceptable for this undemocratic group to hold Cambridge to ransom and we are calling for the police to act immediately to remove this roadblock.

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‘We have already seen that the promises of XR to let ambulances through are hollow. Could someone die because of this disruption?’

The petition adds: ‘Whatever one’s view on combating climate change, it is inappropriate for unelected, self- appointed groups to be making strident ‘demands’ of our political institutions that amount to undermining the principles of the rule of law, representative democracy and accountability.

‘The correct vehicle for Extinction Rebellion’s grievances is through legal channels and our democratic system: if they want power, they should stand for election.’

A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion told Metro.co.uk that they had been working with the police and ambulance services on alternative routes for weeks.

They added: ‘If there is an emergency and they can’t use those alternative routes, they put their blue lights on and they will be let through’.

On claims that cancer patients had been prevented from reaching their appointments, the spokesperson said they were not aware of any such cases.

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