Shell AGM: Climate activists storm shareholder meeting

Climate protesters stormed Shell's annual shareholder meeting in London, with security having to step in to protect board members.

Proceedings were delayed as the protesters ran to the front of the room where executives were sitting on stage.

Chairman Sir Andrew Mackenzie was forced to pause his opening speech as individuals yelled "Shut down Shell".

The disruption meant the meeting struggled to get under way as protesters were removed by security.

Campaign groups are looking to ramp up the pressure on Shell and other energy companies to align their climate targets to commit to absolute carbon emissions cuts by 2030 and focus more resources towards renewables.

Groups gathering outside the investor event include Christian Climate Action, a branch of Extinction Rebellion; Catholic protest group Laudato Si' Movement; and Quakers for Climate Justice.

The protesters were allowed in the room because of their investment in the company. Known as activist shareholders, these groups buy shares in companies to put pressure on its management.

In February, Shell reported profits of $39.9bn for 2022, double the previous year's total and the highest in its 115-year history.

While the jump in oil and gas prices following the start of the war in Ukraine led to big profits for energy companies, it also fuelled a rise in energy bills for households and businesses.

Proceedings, which were due to start at 10:00, did not get under way until well past 11:00 amid waves of disruption from these activists.

Shortly after the meeting began, a choir of protesters began a song to the tune of Hit The Road Jack, singing: "Go to hell Shell and don't you come back no more."