Benedict Cumerbatch joined Extinction Rebellion protests in London this week to lend his support for action over the climate crisis.

The vegan actor was pictured at Trafalgar Square where activists have set up tents as protests continue for two weeks. 

Images were posted on the Facebook group for Extinction Rebellion London, with the group writing: “British actor Benedict Cumberbatch joins Extinction Rebellion rebels preparing to sit outside all night to help keep Trafalgar Square. 

“Power to the people!”

The actor’s appearance was celebrated by activists and social media users, with one writing: “When Sherlock has joined the rebellion we know the game is afoot.”

Protests

Extinction Rebellion’s protests have brought London to a standstill as activists blocked off roads, bridges and meat markets this week. 

The group’s climate protests have hit unprecedented levels and spread across the world, with hundreds of arrests made already.

The group’s dedicated animal rights section camped out at London’s largest meat market, Smithfield, to protest against the meat industry. 

Animal Rebellion activists blockaded the market and filled the usual meat stalls with fruit and vegetables to support the message that ‘beef is grief’.

But not everyone was a fan of the protests, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson who described the activists as ‘crusties’ and ‘importunate nose-ringed climate change protesters’.

Others took to social media to vent their frustration with the disruption caused by protesters. 

But environmentalists responded by condemning the negative reaction to the protests, arguing that saving the planet is more important than inconvenience.

• Read: Extinction Rebellion: Top Twitter responses to people who find climate protests annoying

What do you think of Extinction Rebellion’s protests? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!