Extinction Rebellion protesters target party leaders at Question Time special in Sheffield

Members of the campaign group gathered in force outside the University of Sheffield’s Octagon as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Jo Swinson of the Liberal Democrats and the SNP’s Nicola Sturgeon arrived for last night’s TV clash.

Red Rebels performed ‘moving reminders’ of our connection with the planet and the damage being done to it.

Members also questioned party leaders about their response to the ecological emergency and climate crisis

Around 70 activists took part.

A spokesman said: “As the Brexit debate wages on, we are sleepwalking into climate and ecological breakdown.

“Life on Earth is in crisis and we are in the midst of a mass extinction of our own making. One in four species are at risk of extinction and global heating is contributing to more extreme weather events such as the floods that have recently devastated our region.

“If we do not act now, we risk crop failures, water shortages, wildfires and greater biodiversity loss.

“The incoming government has a duty of care to its citizens and must act now to protect our futures. Over the coming weeks, Extinction Rebellion will ensure that the planet and its people are not ignored in this election. We are demanding parties commit to telling the truth about the scale of the crisis we face, to commit to decarbonisation by 2025 and to delivering climate action through citizens assemblies.

“In Yorkshire, we will be walking to the polling booths through recently flooded streets and under hills that burned all summer long. We are asking members of the electorate to consider their future, the future of their children and to cast their vote for the planet. There is no time to lose.”