Extinction Rebellion protest at MP’s office

MP Paul Bristow's office was covered in posters by Extinction Rebellion activists

The protest was timed to coincide with the publication of the Committee on Climate Change annual report to Parliament.

In its latest annual report on climate progress, the Government’s advisory Committee on Climate Change sets out how ministers should stimulate the economy in ways that are green.

Action that is needed includes renovating buildings to make them cosier but also reduces the risk of overheating in heatwaves, planting trees, and investing in cycling infrastructure, the report says.

An XR spokesperson said: “The scientific evidence is absolutely clear: Aiming for zero carbon emissions by 2050 is far too late to avert catastrophic global heating which will cause crises much, much worse than Covid19 and its subsequent recession. The UK government already pledged measures for reducing emissions but in fact they have increased. We have a chance, now, to change direction towards a Green Economy, our government must wake up and do it.”

Another demonstrator said: “ I am horrified at the thought this government thinks we have time to address climate breakdown later and will support fossil fuel industries in their recovery plan out of the pandemic. The science says climate breakdown has already begun and any recovery plan must place environmental concerns centre stage if its effects are to be mitigated.”

Extinction Rebellion is urging the government to listen to the latest scientific findings which demonstrate that carbon emissions need to be reduced to zero much faster than the 2050 target to avoid dangerous global temperature rises.

Mr Bristow was out at the time of the protest and his staff cleared the posters away.

He told the PT: “I am always happy to meet with constituents, but it does help if they book an appointment. That way, they don’t turn up when I’m in Parliament.

“We have cleared away the material that XR stuck over the windows of our office. Unlike some, we have also disposed of the waste in a legal and environmentally friendly way.

“Fortunately, the Climate Change Coalition have a different approach, and I have a virtual meeting with them arranged for Tuesday.”