Extinction Rebellion to end two London blockades on Thursday

Environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion will shut down their two remaining central London protest sites on Thursday, the group said after 10 days of disruption in the British capital.

More than 1,000 people have been arrested during the protests, which started last Monday, as part of the group's campaign of non-violent civil disobedience with the aim of stopping what it calls a global climate crisis. The protesters said it would end its blockades at Marble Arch and Parliament Square, and said direct action was the only way to bring the issue to public attention.

"We know we have disrupted your lives. We do not do this lightly. We only do this because this is an emergency," the group said in a statement on Wednesday "Around the planet, a long-awaited and much-needed conversation has begun."

The protests took place after months of wrangling in Britain over its decision to leave the European Union, with Brexit dominating the political agenda and leaving little room for anything else. The environment is back in focus in Westminster now. Swedish climate change activist Greta Thunberg met opposition leaders on Tuesday to discuss what the teenager calls an "existential crisis" for humanity, and criticising Britain's "ongoing irresponsible behaviour".

Environment minister Michael Gove said he felt "admiration but also a sense of guilt" after he heard Thunberg speak. Britain has lowered net emissions by 42 percent since 1990, and currently aims to cut emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Government advisors will suggest new targets next month.

Extinction Rebellion said that the disruption of the last 10 days was just a taster of what was to come. "The truth is out, the real work is about to begin. The International Rebellion continues," it said. "Expect more actions very soon." (Reporting by Alistair Smout, editing by David Milliken)