Peterborough Extinction Rebellion call for Citizens Assembly on Covid-19 recovery

The group - which wants a recovery that “must prioritise people and planet over profit” - stood outside the offices on Saturday at noon.

A spokesperson said: “We are at a turning point in human history. The Government is driving a return to ‘normal’ as quickly as possible. But ‘normal’ is killing us. Our Government has a choice; prioritise profit or prioritise health; bailout destructive industries or bailout people and the planet; mass extinction or mass participation.

“It’s time to trust the people! As part of coronavirus recovery we demand a binding Citizens Assembly on how to rebuild our economy, our democracy and our future.”

The protest will be taking place in other areas of the country as well - including Parliament Square in London - with everyone asked to wear masks and stand silently for one hour, while also walking or cycling to get there.

Locally, Extinction Rebellion wants the city council to accelerate plans for additional cycle lanes.

A spokesperson said: “Whilst we understand and appreciate that Covid-19 has presented some unexpected challenges for the council we know the climate emergency has the potential to present similar, if not bigger, problems.”