SEVERAL peaceful protests will be taking place throughout York today

The Extinction Rebellion group will be taking to the streets of York from 11am, performing a series of rolling roadblocks across the city to demonstrate the need for more action on climate change.

Protestors will be talking to drivers and and passers-by about three issues. These include that the government 'tells the truth' about the climate and wider ecological emergency, reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025 and to convene a national Citizen Assembly to oversee necessary changes.

Nationally, the group have staged several high profile protests over the past few weeks.

John Cossham, who is a member of the group, said: "We will be meeting at St Helens square at 11am if anyone wants to join us.

"Our route tomorrow will begin by protesting in one of the cities street, followed by one of the bridges across the river Ouse.

"We will finish by protesting at a specific landmark in York.

"We understand that this will cause disruption in the city and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to people. However, this is a relatively minor inconvenience that could help save us all from catastrophic consequences in years to come.

"The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report said that we have 12 years left before this issue becomes irreversible. It is imperative that we act now by reducing waste and Carbon Dioxide emissions"

Founding member of the York group, Merry Dickinson, said: "The recent budget from the council showed that for every £1 spent, only 7p on environment and waste. Not enough is being done and we need collective action."

Patrick Thelwell, who attended the London protests last weekend, said: "After last weeks demonstration people are taking more notice. Local government can take action.

"This has recently been seen in the Bristol and Manchester City Councils.

"Bristol have declared a climate emergency and unanimously agreed their target going carbon neutral by 2030. Manchester has declared a new target of being a zero-carbon city by 2038."

In a statement, North Yorkshire Police said: "Residents, businesses, visitors and transport providers are advised that the activity may cause some traffic disruption in central York.

"North Yorkshire Police will continue to work alongside the City of York Council and other community partners to ensure any disruption is minimised.

"To keep up to date with the police operation, people are advised to visit the North Yorkshire Police website and social media accounts."