Extinction Rebellion protesters gathered outside London's Science Museum on Saturday (July 31) as thousands of visitors entered to protest the museum's sponsorship with oil giant Shell.

It comes following the publication of a contract between the two parties which showed an agreement to "not to damage the goodwill and reputation" of Shell. Critics have labelled the clause a "gagging order". Climate activist Greta Thunberg tweeted that the museum has "killed" its own reputation.

At the protest on Saturday, activists depicted planet Earth being beaten to death by Shell. Placards read, "Shell out" and "shame on you".

Protesters wearing lab coats reading "I'm a scientist," said they felt betrayed by the museum's actions, with one adding she felt Shell were "very much still part of the problem". Another activist said Shell were "not really taking any action" on climate change.

Before the protest, Shell had responded to the news saying they "fully respect the museum's independence", that "carbon capture matters" and "debate and discussion are essential".