A change in tactics for Extinction Rebellion?

The climate campaign group Extinction Rebellion (XR), began their 4-day protest “The Big One” in London on Friday (21st April).

Extinction Rebellion protesters take to the streets in Westminster (Photo: Joe Bunker)

Although the group have previously made headlines for their disruptive tactics, including gluing themselves to roads, the first day of protests was peaceful, with minimal disruption to traffic, in line with the climate campaign group’s claims they are changing their tactics.

Around 30,000 were expected to attend the 4-day campaign outside the Houses of Parliament, featuring an array of events including climate workshops, guest speakers and people’s pickets.

Westminster was filled with campaigners of all ages marching, banging drums and flying XR flags – and demanding immediate climate action from the government.

One of the main speakers was Caroline Lucas, the only Green Party MP, who was met with cheers and applause.

She told the crowd, “we’re here because we have got 3 urgent and clear demands of government and ministers…and you know those 3 demands are very simple.”

“The first is please, please tell the truth, tell the truth about the scale of the ecological and climate emergency and tell the truth about the real solutions, not the false solutions.

She continued, “our second message is stop aiding and abetting climate criminals; those fossil fuel giants who are reaping obscene profits while others simply cannot afford to put food on the table.”

“And our third message is very very simple, it is simply to keep all new fossil-fuels where they belong – in the ground!”

One protestor, Calle, travelled from Stockholm to be at the event.

Calle travelled from Stockholm in Sweden to be at the protest (Photo: Joe Bunker)

He said, “I’m part of the climate movement in Sweden and read a lot about ‘The Big One’ and really want[ed] to join for this excellent event.”

Calle was also keen to get his message across to the government, “don’t talk, act now… we can’t wait anymore.”

The government have said it is committed to tackling climate change and making sure that the UK is net-zero in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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