Steve Coogan joins Extinction Rebellion as they march towards Whitehall

Steve Coogan has become the latest celebrity to support the Extinction Rebellion protest, joining activists on a march towards Whitehall.

As protests enter day 12, Extinction Rebellion is planning a “red handed” protest which will see it spray-paint handprints around Westminster.

Coogan told the PA news agency: “I wanted to lend my voice to the cause. Maybe people who like what I have done and who might not be completely sold on Extinction Rebellion might give it a second chance.

“It’s an important movement. Some people try to characterise it as a fringe movement, but it’s not. I like the fact that it was started by young people, but now older people have joined in too.

“Climate change feels like just another issue on the agenda that people are reluctant to pay attention to. But people in Extinction Rebellion and people who seriously believe want to make it a bigger issue.

“Anyone who is against the movement is motivated purely by the bottom line.

“I have always been environmentally aware and environmentally conscious. I just do not want to stand on the sidelines and not participate. It’s easy to sit and not do anything.”