A BLUE boat named after Stroud eco-warrior Polly Higgins was used to block traffic in this week's Extinction Rebellion protests.

The 'Polly Higgins', named after the Stroud based lawyer who campaigned for an international crime of ecocide, had been parked outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London since Monday as part of a week-long protest.

But as of 7.40am this morning, Extinction Rebellion boats have been banned from London, after the Metropolitan Police imposed a new condition on the climate change protests.

A force spokesman said: "The information and intelligence available at this time means that the Met feels this action is necessary in order to prevent disruption."

Met commander Jane Connors said: "The condition imposed today is limited and absolutely allows lawful protests to continue.

"My officers continue to engage with those exercising their right to protest however, we need to balance this with the rights of those wishing to go about their daily lives and action will be taken against those who choose to ignore this condition and/or break the law."

The Polly Higgins was one of five boats used by protesters to stop traffic in Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, and London as part of a five-day 'summer uprising'.

Jojo Mehta, Polly's friend and colleague, said: "I know that whatever dimension she’s in, she’s smiling at the fact that this boat has been named after her by Extinction Rebellion.

"It’s absolutely resonant that this is in front of the Royal Courts because Polly was of course a lawyer."

In a statement Extinction Rebellion said that they were protesting outside the Royal Courts of Justice 'to demand the legal system take responsibility in this crisis, and ensure the safety of future generations'.

They said they are there with 'a clear and simple demand: make ecocide law'.

"We will be there in alignment with the noble work of Polly Higgins who fought for many years to legally recognise ecocide, and pursue action against those destroying the natural environment, especially when deliberate.

"In making ecocide law, the role the UK legal system can play in averting catastrophe is clear."