Extinction Rebellion protesters take to the streets over government’s secret climate crisis report
September 14, 2026 by Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion supporters from across the UK marched in London today demanding that the government publish the full, unredacted National Security Assessment and outline a plan for the dangers it identifies.
People from all walks of life joined the loud protest, banging on decorated pots and pans through the streets behind a giant casserole, symbolising how “we are all in the same soup – and it’s coming to the boil!”
The National Security Assessment is a report compiled by scientists for the UK government, highlighting serious threats to UK security from biodiversity loss, including flooding, drought, food shortages, extreme heat, and mass displacement. The government published only a redacted version, and did so only after a Freedom of Information request. A longer version exists and has reportedly been seen by media organisations. Yet even Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee says it was refused access.
Extinction Rebellion says the public must be allowed to see the whole assessment and take part in deciding how the country prepares for the risks ahead.
A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said:
“Extinction Rebellion has demanded the truth about the climate and ecological emergency since 2018. Today’s turnout showed that people are ready not only to hear the truth but also to step into their collective power and insist on a plan. The full assessment should be made public. Everyone needs to know what is coming, and everyone must have a voice in deciding what happens next.”
The demonstration was led by “Le Crucible”: a giant casserole carried at shoulder height, representing a planet becoming “too hot to handle”. Protesters carried it through the streets alongside flame placards and large structures representing the soup’s contents: a giant frog; a chilli pepper standing for the spice of revolt; a potato representing famine; an Atlantic salmon symbolising biodiversity loss in warming seas; various herbs standing for the growing extinction of plant species; and human arms waving frantically from the broth as it reached boiling point. The name of the spectacle was also symbolic, as a “Crucible” is a vessel built to withstand immense heat and a melting pot in which different substances meet under pressure. It represented the severe test created by the climate and ecological crisis and the possibility that pressure can force transformation.
Behind “Le Crucible” marched 12 people dressed as “Redacted Rebels” in white hazmat suits, each carrying a large placard displaying information about the government’s blacked-out National Security Assessment. Other protesters carried banners reading “TELL THE TRUTH” and “CLIMATE IS A BURNING ISSUE”. At the heart of the procession was a mass “cacerolazo”: a large, diverse crowd banged ladles on decorated saucepans, frying pans, and other kitchenware, creating a deafening roar that alternated with an ear-ringing silence.