Protesters project ‘toxic’ images onto insurers’ City offices

Activists staged protests at the City of London offices of Axa and AIG yesterday (8 September 2025), blocking access to the buildings and calling on insurers to stop underwriting fossil fuel and defence-related risks.

The demonstration formed part of a two-week wave of coordinated global actions led by campaign group Insure Our Survival, which is planning protests across more than 30 cities worldwide between 8 and 22 September. Demonstrations are also scheduled in London for today.

According to organisers, the London blockade began around 8am outside Axa’s offices, with campaigners dressed in suits and gas masks carrying placards urging a boycott of Axa and AIG. Activists also threw fake blood-stained £50 notes and projected images onto buildings as part of the action.

The campaigners accused both insurers of profiting from fossil fuel expansion and from companies linked to armed conflict. They argued that such underwriting activities account for less than 2% of global insurance profits, suggesting that insurers could exit the sectors without significant financial impact.

Lucy Porter, UK spokesperson for Insure Our Survival, said: “Axa and AIG present themselves as protecting homes and families, yet continue to underwrite projects that accelerate climate breakdown and fuel conflict.”

Carbon boycott

Yesterday’s London action followed a weekend of projection protests at Axa and AIG offices in London, Paris, Cologne, Johannesburg, Manchester, Glasgow, Auckland and Ipswich. Images of senior executives wearing gas masks were projected onto buildings, which campaigners said symbolised insurers’ exposure to “toxic” industries.

Research cited by organisers alleged that Axa holds investments in fossil fuel firms linked to so-called “carbon bomb” projects, including coal, oil sands and shale operations. At the same time, AIG has been identified as one of the world’s largest coal insurers with more than $24bn (£17.73bn) invested in fossil fuel-related assets as of 2022.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) previously occupied AIG’s office in London on October 30, 2024.

Speakers from climate and political groups, including Palestine-focused organisations, also scheduled addressed the demonstration throughout the day.

Insure Our Survival said it is also encouraging consumers and businesses to boycott other large insurers, including Allianz and Aviva.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) previously protested at the Premiership rugby final on June 14, 2025, to demand that the Rugby Football Union (RFU) end its sponsorship deal with Allianz.