Environmentalists today scaled Smithfield meat market to highlight the alleged links between climate change and eating animals.

Six members of Climate Camp climbed onto the roof of the Victorian buildings in the City of London and unfurled a banner that read, "Fight Climate Change - Go Vegan".

The group wants more people to choose a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products including meat, eggs and dairy, because they say it can reduce climate-altering emissions.

The protest lasted about two hours. The demonstrators were brought down by the fire brigade. Clare Whitney, one of the activists, said: "An animal-based diet is no longer sustainable with climate change threatening the planet, its ecosystems, and the people who depend on them."

No arrests were made. However, 100 were arrested and 46 charged at the Camp for Climate Action in fields near Kingsnorth power station in Hoo, Kent, it was revealed today.

Assistant Chief Constable Gary Beautridge said the majority of arrests at the week-long protest were for obstruction but that a number of people at the camp were arrested for more serious offences such as possessing bladed instruments. He said: "While there were those who were sensible and responsible there were also those intent on breaking into the power station to shut it down."

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