BANNERS have appeared across the city as climate change campaigners begin their newest waves of protests.

It comes as part of national Extinction Rebellion protests which have been launched across the nation, with banners appearing on the M27 and Castle Way in Southampton.

Protesters are demanding that the Government prioritises immediate debate on how to address the climate and ecological emergency.

Extinction Rebellion is a group that addresses climate change and global pollution.

They claim that it is endangering human lives and hindering ecological stability across the world.

Huge banners saying 'Love not hate - we grow as one'; 'Climate Emergency', 'Rebel for life' and 'No future in fossil fuels' have been put up across the city and the UK.

They have been posted in a bid to highlight the climate and ecological crisis on what is considered one of the busiest days for traffic in the year.

The move, which started on Friday, kick starts a fortnight of actions that will happen regionally and then in London, Cardiff, and Manchester.

An XR Southampton spokesperson, said: "The climate emergency has not gone away.

"We understand that the government is dealing with coronavirus, but it must take major steps now to reduce the burning of fossil fuels, and reach its legally binding target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

"Every day that we fail to act makes it harder to slow the global temperature rise that is leading to irreversible environmental damage and, if unchecked, will threaten human civilisation."

Protestors said the banners appeared before rush hour and were put up in accordance with safety procedures and with the knowledge of local police.

They accompanied them on Friday and will be removing them for reuse.