Extinction Rebellion protester climbs Big Ben as police call on him to come down (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)

An Extinction Rebellion activist has sparked a security alert near the UK Houses of Parliament by partially climbing up Big Ben to protest inaction on climate change, as police and construction workers looked on.

The climber, who appears to be dressed as Boris Johnson, but with a cape, unfurled two banners for the protest movement partway up the tower as police called for him to come down safely.

Footage shows the man, whom Extinction Rebellion identified as 43-year-old tree surgeon Ben Atkinson, walking and sitting precariously on top of safety netting.

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Live video in the link.