West Dorset MP, Chris Loder, has condemned Extinction Rebellion 'hijacking' Remembrance Day by hanging a white wreath with the words 'climate changes means war' from the Cenotaph on Whitehall.

He said he had removed the wreath yesterday evening (Wednesday).

The MP, who laid a wreath at the Cenotaph yesterday morning on behalf of his constituents who were restricted from attending Whitehall over the last few days, said: "There are many ways to protest and it is one of the freedoms we enjoy in this country. But Armistice Day, the anniversary of peace, when we remember those who died for our freedom, is not the day to do it.

"I could not stand by and watch our Remembrance Day for those who died in war, and to whom we owe so much, be hijacked for a political stunt by this far-left outfit. This was totally wrong, and I believed the wreath should be removed."

This year is the centenary of the Cenotaph, built from Dorset stone, which stands as the lasting memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in war.

Mr Loder added: "This week, thousands of veterans and members of the armed forces have stayed away from the Cenotaph in our national effort to control coronavirus. For political protestors to take advantage of this situation is disrespectful to our servicemen and women, past and present. I want them to know that I am on their side and will support them all the way".

On Remembrance Day, Extinction Rebellion hung a banner at the Cenotaph reading 'Honour their sacrifice, climate change means war'.

After the banner was hung at the war memorial, British Army veteran and member of Extinction Rebellion, observed the two-minute silence and placed a wreath of white poppies on the monument decorated with the words 'climate change means war, act now'.

The group wanted to highlight "the connection between rising global temperatures and an increase in the incidence of conflict and war" and call on the government to act. It follows a report commissioned by the Ministry of Defence published in June that "points to a growing recognition that climate change may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security".

Mr Bell said: "I took action knowing that I would be criticised. I knew that I would be accused of being disrespectful and hated by many for speaking out in this way. Remembrance Day is never an easy time for veterans and this was not an easy decision for me to make.

"But I served this country, I served the people of this country and the action I took is about just that. Unchecked climate change means a return to a world at war. I cannot stand by and let that happen. It is my duty to act."