Thousands of environmental campaigners marched to Westminster today to demand more be done to combat climate change.

The event started with a bike ride, with those on foot following behind. Many were dressed up and carrying placards and banners.

The National Climate March was one of several similar processions taking place around the world.

The four themes of the protest, organised by Campaign Against Climate Change, were the scrapping of plans for a third runway at Heathrow, opposition to new coal-burning power stations such at that planned for Kingsnorth in and increase in the use of agrofuels/biofuels, as well the increase in renewable energy leading to the creation of thousands of "green jobs".

Campaigners met in Grosvenor Square for the walk to Parliament Square for a rally, with speeches Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, Green MEP Caroline Lucas and former environment minister Michael Meacher.

Kate Tansley, spokeswoman for the Campaign for Climate Change, said: “There are four ’no’ issues and one ’yes’ one.

“These are no to a third runway at Heathrow and the general expansion of aviation, no to coal, and no to agro-fuels.

“It’s good to have a more positive message though, and that is yes to investment in renewable energy and all the green jobs that it would bring.”

Organisers have claimed 10,000 people took part in the event, but police the number was more like 5,000.

Student Jon Roberts, 26, who joined the procession, said: “The turnout today shows the government how many people that care about energy issues in this country and are aware of the impact it is having around the world.

“I really hope the Government takes more action on energy. There may be bills and proposals to combat climate change but they need to actually do something to enforce them."

The march was organised to coincide with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Poznan, Poland.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said there had been no arrests.

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