Extinction Rebellion 'criminals' threaten UK way of life, says Priti Patel

Home secretary tells police superintendents she will not allow XR anarchy' on streets

The home secretary, Priti Patel, has claimed Extinction Rebellion activists are so-called eco-crusaders turned criminals" who threaten key planks of national life.

The government's rhetorical venom against XR was triggered by the blockading of newspaper print works at the weekend, which disrupted the distribution of some newspapers and led to scores of arrests.