AN Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest took place in Bolton yesterday as part of a national day of campaign.
In Bolton, Captain Rebellion led the social distanced demonstration against the Government's lack of action on climate change.
The protest by the Bolton-group of the organisation took place on Le Mans Crescent outside Bolton Library and Museum.
Neil McAlister, member of the group, said the demonstration was to "highlight the climate crisis".
He said: "It is important we are outside a museum and a library because it will be interesting what future generations make of the current crop of politicians and business leaders if they don't take the urgent action that is needed on climate now.
"This is a reminder to national politicians as well as to Bolton Council who declared an (climate) emergency over a year ago now is the time to act on climate change."
Nationally, hundreds of people staged a "protest of one" road block, but in Bolton no road blocks were held, but rather a car was used to highlight the importance of taking action to prevent climate change - with Captain Rebellion swapping it for a bike.
He says he had bought the diesal car because he was led to "believe it was better for the environment", adding "look how that turned out"
Messages were painted on the car highlighting fears for the future.
The national protest began at 11am on May 1 – two years exactly since Parliament declared a climate emergency.
XR said in a statement that despite its carbon-cutting targets – with Boris Johnson recently announcing plans to cut emissions by 78 per cent by 2035 – the UK Government is moving too slowly.
It cited multiple reports finding the UK will miss its targets unless ministers take rapid action.
XR spokeswoman Gully Bujak said the Government was good at generating positive headlines but accused it of failing to have a plan to meet its goals.
Ms Bujak said: “The UN People’s Climate Survey found that 81 per cent of people in the UK believe that we’re in a global emergency.
“The Government needs to commission a national Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice, because even if politicians are scared to face the truth, ordinary people are ready for action.”
For more information visit Extinction Rebellion Bolton Facebook page .
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel