Boris Johnson's father Stanley says he's proud to be an 'uncooperative crusty' as he joins Extinction Rebellion protesters

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Stephanie Cockroft10 October 2019

Boris Johnson's father Stanley Johnson said that being branded an "uncooperative crusty" by his son was a "tremendous compliment" as he joined Extinction Rebellion activists on the third day of protests.

Mr Johnson Snr spoke at an XR event in Trafalgar Square in front of a substantial crowd, days after the Prime Minister described the activists as "uncooperative crusties" and told them to abandon their "hemp-smelling bivouacs" and stop blocking London streets.

He said: "I'm showing up here because I think what they [Extinction Rebellion] are doing is extremely important. From tiny acorns, big movements spring.

"We have been moving far too slowly on the climate change issue.

Extinction Rebellion London Protests: October 2019 - In pictures

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"I regard it as a tremendous compliment to be called an uncooperative crusty, that was a remark made in humour."

Asked whether the protests had affected the Johnson family, Mr Johnson Snr said that they remained "totally united".

The Johnson family have clashed publicly about Brexit, with the Prime Minister's brother Jo Johnson quitting as an MP over Brexit .

Their sister Rachel Johnson is also an ardent Remainer who has criticised her brother's language in Westminster.

Mr Johnson Snr said: "As far as climate change is concerned the family dynamic would be totally united. I don't believe there is a single dissenting voice in the Johnson family," he said.

"Don't forget we grew up in the country, we grew up on Exmoor, nature is in our blood."

More than 50 activists were arrested this morning, taking the total detained since Monday to around 600. It comes after ministers urged Scotland Yard to clear the streets, instead of “standing around the edges”.

The Met has adopted a more robust response following criticism of its tactics in April when protests paralysed the capital for several days.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said arrests were taking time because some activists had chained themselves to buildings with “thick cycle locks” around their necks.

Yesterday, protesters glued themselves to the Department for Transport building and to the underside of a lorry outside the Home Office in defiance. Last night, demonstrators danced into the night as Nineties rave icons Orbital played a set in Trafalgar Square.

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