Highland climate activists to join massive London 'Big One' march against UK government fossil fuel policies
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CLIMATE change activists from the Highlands are to head to London for a major public protest highlighting the dangers of a warming world and need for urgent action.
Around 20 of the Highlands and Moray Extinction Rebellion group (XR) are making the journey by public transport to the latest London protest – dubbed the "Big One", which is aiming to get 100,000 people protesting outside Parliament.
The protest, one of the biggest yet, is being held in the wake of the publication of a new UN report last month, which saw top scientists deliver a "final warning" on the climate crisis stating that the world needs to act now or it’s going to be too late.
The Big One, which runs from April 21 to 24, is expected to be attended by representatives from more than 200 organisations/groups such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Global Justice, CND, Fuel Poverty Action, War on Want and many more – with famous speakers such as Stephen Fry, Chris Packham, Caroline Lucas, Sir David King, Baroness Jenny Jones among those set to address the crowds.
XR said the Big One will be asking the UK government to heed the UN's warnings, and change course to end the fossil fuel era, which Number 10 "are currently ignoring".
Related: Inverness hotel group mounts clean-up on banks of River Ness
They've criticised policies like the approval of a new coal mine in Cumbria against the advice of the government's own climate advisers, and the decision to give tax incentives "of up to 91 per cent... for companies who invest in new oil and gas in the North Sea".
They've also slammed recent UK decisions to plough "millions of taxpayers money into unproven technology" such as carbon capture projects, which critics have warned will only serve to prolong the use of fossil fuels.
A spokesman said; "All of these policies have been made under the guise of 'energy security', with the UK government perpetuating the myth further by creating a new department – The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero – which is where Extinction Rebellion Highlands & Islands and Moray and XR Scotland protestors will be concentrating their demonstrations."
Gary Jack, from XR Highlands & Islands and Moray, added: “ I have been to many rebellions down in London but this time it is different with so many different groups all coming together with a common purpose, to end fossil fuels and ensuring that everyone has access to fair and affordable renewable energy.
"Ask any economist and they will tell you oil and gas are commodities which normally means prices fluctuating and gradually go up as they become more scarce or more costly to extract.
"Renewables on the other hand are a technology and become cheaper as they are developed and scaled up. Remember that DVD recorder that cost you £400 when they first came out and you can pick one up for £20 now? We are now seeing this with renewable energy as in most cases it is now cheaper to produce than fossil fuel energy and at the same time improving our air quality and stopping the planet from overheating.”
Helen Woolston, from XR Highlands & Islands and Moray, said: “This is my first time going down to a protest in London but felt I had to take a more active role to stand up for what I believe in and support positive change.
"I feel encouraged by the welcoming attitude of the Big One, bringing many different concerned people and groups together as one mass movement expressing positive hope for change.
"So we are going down to London to tell the UK government to quickly end fossil fuels and accelerate and increase cleaner and cheaper renewable energy.
"Even the UK’s government's own climate watchdog, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has warned that there is a 'striking lack of climate preparation' from current green policies.”
XR added that those who can’t go down to London for the protest will still have an opportunity to make their voices heard as a march and rally will be starting at the Town House in Inverness High Street at 1pm on April 22 to mark Earth Day. This will be happening simultaneously with the Earth Day march in London.
For further details on the event contact xrinverness@protonmail.com.
