London Pride: 7 arrested as Just Stop Oil block parade

Images on social media showed police removing demonstrators.

In one clip, eco-zealots sat down in front of an LGBT+ decorated Coco-Cola vehicle while chanting "just stop oil".

Protesters were seated in front of the Coke float for around 20 minutes.

Scotland Yard said London Pride's parade was delayed for around 17 minutes as officers dealt with protesters at Piccadilly's junction with Down Street.

LGBT+ members of Just Stop Oil called on London Pride organisers to condemn new oil, gas and coal licences before the parade started.

The members said in a statement: "These partnerships embarrass the LGBTQ+ community at a time when much of the cultural world is rejecting ties to these toxic industries."

The group also claimed that LGBTQ+ people are "suffering first" in the "accelerating social breakdown" caused by climate change.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan recently described Just Stop Oil as a "really important pressure group".

He said: “I agree with protesting in a way that is lawful, safe, and peaceful.

"I think that Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil are really important pressure groups trying to put power on those who have power and influence.

“I fully support the right to protest. It’s really important to recognise the joy of a democracy is protest.

“I am somebody who feels quite passionately that we have to tackle the climate emergency.

"And I feel quite passionately about encouraging people to join the movement to tackle the climate emergency.

"In my view, protest should be peaceful, lawful, and safe.”

In a statement released ahead of Just Stop Oil's disruption, a spokesperson for Pride in London said: "The safety of others is paramount to Pride in London.

"This year we are highlighting trans+ joy, ensuring that the community knows that with us, they never march alone.

"We call on all individuals, groups and organisations to give this space the respect and focus it deserves in an increasingly hostile and unsafe world."