Extinction Rebellion group occupy Smithfield meat market to turn it vegan
More than 100 members of an Extinction Rebellion sub-group set up camp at London’s historic Smithfield meat market in the early hours of this morning.
Members from Animal Rebellion pitched tents at the 800-year-old market at 2am this morning in an attempt to demonstrate a “vision of a future plant-based food system” according to organisers.
Read more: Extinction Rebellion London protests kick off as police arrest 135 people
The activists turned Smithfield, which normally runs from 2am to 8am, into a plant-based market by erecting fruit and vegetable stalls.
One activist hung a banner from the roof that read “Smithfield fruit and vegetable market of 2025”.
The person was arrested shortly after.
Opinion over the actions of Animal Rebellion members was split among traders this morning.
Embed from Getty ImagesOne trader who declined to be named told The Times that the stunt would cost his business £10,000.
“Vehicles can’t get in to collect the meat and it means we can’t serve as many of our customers,” he said.
However, others were more supportive.
Steven Hall, 38, said: “To be honest, I think good on them.
“I’ve got two kids myself and I want the world to be safe for them in the future.”
The vegan group conducted a minute’s silence to remember all the animals that were killed at Smithfield over the past 800 years during the sit-in.
It was a part of a candle-lit vigil for all of the animals that have lost their lives due to the global farming industry.
Animal Rebellion spokesman Dilan Fernando said the group’s action was aimed at governments and not normal people.
Embed from Getty Images“We don’t want to harm meat traders’ livelihoods,” he said.
“We want to work with them to transition this historic market to a plant-based market instead,” he said.
Read more: Map: Where are Extinction Rebellion protests happening in London this week
The overnight sit-in was attended by a number of high-profile Extinction Rebellion supporters including BBC presenter Chris Packham and writer George Monbiot.
Both gave speeches to the activists about the need for a plant-based future.