Extinction Rebellion protesters say the disruption caused to staff at a newspaper printing factory was “proportionate” in light of the climate emergency, a court has heard.

Five XR activists, who were part of a 14-hour blockade at Newsprinters in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, from late on 4 September 2020, are appealing against their convictions.

They were found guilty of obstructing the highway during two trials at St Albans Magistrates’ Court in 2021.