Extinction Rebellion activist ‘stomps’ out of Sky News interview

An Extinction Rebellion activist stormed out of a Sky News interview live an air after an interview turned sour.

Robin Boardman-Pattison was speaking to Adam Boulton as a third day of protests disrupted London transport.

Two demonstrators climbed on the roof of a DLR train with a banner, while another glued his hand to the carriage window in an attempt to highlight the consequences of climate change.

Mr Boardman-Pattison passionately discussed the motivation behind the protests.

He said: "As a species we are failing people. I care so deeply so deeply about all the people in this world and all the life on it – and I will not see it die.

"Millions of people are going to starve. We face another hot summer and we are going to see the effects right here in the UK.

"People are not going to be able to put food on their plates and I won't stand for that. I won't stand for people who won't stand up for what it means to live on this planet – and I won't stand for anything else."

But he was slammed by Mr Boulton, who criticised the protesters for trying to "tell us how to live our lives".

The Sky News anchor said: "Half term week, when Parliament isn't even here, you come here and you cause disruption in Westminster. You're not even getting your message across.

"You are just a load of incompetent, middle class, self indulgent people who want to tell us how to live our lives. That's what you are."

The activist then got up from his chair and stormed off the set.

Footage of the exchange was posted to Twitter with the comment: "Extinction Rebellion representative stomps out of his interview like a stroppy teenager after being torn apart on Sky."

But it divided opinion amongst those on social media, with some slamming Boulton for his critical tone.

One tweeter wrote: "He [the protester] had a good argument but walking out the way he did at the end just made him look petulant so wasted the time before."

Others were quick to defend Mr Boardman-Pattison.

Charlie Peters said: "He put forward an argument and was dealt with ignorantly.

"Boulton failed to address a single point, preferring to call him 'middle-class' and rant."

Twitter user Joshua Drew  said: "He is suggesting we are set to see far worse consequences to climate change if nothing changes. His points were not addressed by Boulton who instead, simply insulted him."

The incident comes as two protesters climbed on a Docklands Light Railway train as the demonstrations raged on.

A man dressed in a dark suit and a woman wearing a black coat stood on the roof of the carriage in Canary Wharf, London, holding a banner which read: "Climate Emergency. Act Now."

A third protester glued his hand to the window of the train. 

Commuters were stunned by the protest, which caused huge delays to their journeys.

Sefan White, 24, who works for a company that produces bar snacks in sustainable packaging, was stopped getting to work by the protesters.

He said: "I work for company that makes a bar snacks in 100% recycled packaging – the first in the UK. 

"I'm devastated. I'm trying to get to a job now. We've got to go round Camden on a 30-pub journey and we're going to be late now.

"We're probably going to lose money today. 

"They've had their picture, fair enough, that's all you need now. Why is he spending 15 minutes on top of the tube? Explain that."

Wi-Fi at Tube stations has been disabled in a bid to stop campaigners intent on disrupting services co-ordinating their protest.

The stunt comes on the third day of a series of climate change protests which have led to nearly 300 people being arrested in the capital.

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokeswoman said: "In the interests of safety and to prevent and deter serious disruption to the London Underground network, BTP has taken the decision to restrict passenger Wi-Fi connectivity at Tube stations.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we would like to assure passengers that this decision is not taken lightly and will be reviewed throughout the day."

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