Just Stop Oil protesters have stormed the National Gallery, using hammers to smash a painting, whilst also targeting Whitehall in a series of coordinated attacks.
Two stormed the National Gallery, while another 40 people were arrested after conducting a slow march through Whitehall.
The two protesters shouted: "It is time for deeds and not words. It is time to Just Stop Oil."
Just Stop Oil
Police, who have been closely protecting the Cenotaph in recent days ahead of Remembrance Sunday at the weekend, arrested around six protesters who were blocking the road next to the war memorial.
It comes just hours before Sunak is expected to unveil new plans to introduce an annual system to award new oil and gas licences.
Storming the National Gallery, the two protesters shouted: "It is time for deeds and not words. It is time to Just Stop Oil."
Writing on X, Just Stop Oil said: "Our government have revealed plans for MORE oil licenses, knowing it will kill millions.
"In response, two supporters of Just Stop Oil smashed the Rokeby Venus — slashed by Mary Richardson in 1914."
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the protesters were arrested for criminal damage.
In a statement, the force said: "Two Just Stop Oil activists have been arrested for criminal damage.
"The glass protecting a painting at the National Gallery has been vandalised."
After smashing the painting's protective glass, the protesters said: "Women did not get the vote by voting.
"It is time for deeds not words. It is time to Just Stop Oil."
They added: "Politics is failing us. Politics failed women in 1914.
"Millions will die due to new oil and gas licencing. Millions.
"If we love history, if we love art and if we love our families, we must Just Stop Oil."
A second statement from the Met Police said: "We are on scene in response to more JSO activists slow marching in the road.
"Officers are following guidance and asking the activists to move off the road. If they fail to engage with us or move from the road we will make arrests under Section Seven of the Public Order Act."
In a later updated, the force added: "Within 15 minutes we have arrested at least 40 activists who were slow marching. Whitehall is now clear."
There was initially confusion that Just Stop Oil were targeting the Cenotaph, but the group later said on social media: "The reality is that they were dragged off the road and arrested by police for protesting in the street."
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Sunak will introduce an annual system to award new oil and gas licences
PA
The nonviolent civil resistance group is demanding the UK Government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.
In new legislation, expected to be included in tomorrow's King's Speech, Sunak will introduce an annual system to award new oil and gas licences.
The Government said it will bring forward the plan in order to support the UK's transition to net zero in a "pragmatic, proportionate and realistic way".
Last week, the group asked for 300,000 in extra funding from the public in an online appeal to continue their direct action.
The online appeal saw them claim they are "on the brink of a massive victory".
