Extinction Rebellion protesters chain themselves to Holyrood building and send keys to John Swinney

Extinction Rebellion activists have staged a dramatic protest at the Scottish Parliament building by chaining themselves to the structure and sending the keys to Deputy First Minister John Swinney. The demonstration was in opposition to plans for a second gas power station in Peterhead. Two protesters from Extinction Rebellion attached themselves to the outer building using bike locks, while a third was stopped by police.

The keys to unlock the activists were dispatched to the offices of First Minister Swinney, Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin, and Climate Action Minister Alasdair Allan. The activists requested that the keys be personally delivered by the officials to release each protester. XR Scotland highlighted the significance of the trio of SNP MSPs in determining the fate of the proposed gas plant in Aberdeenshire.

The planned project by Equinor and SSE involves carbon capture and storage technology to mitigate emissions. However, campaigners argue that this technology is untested on a large scale. They pointed out that the existing gas power station at Peterhead is already a major source of pollution in Scotland. The protesters displayed banners and placards condemning the new gas plant and calling for a shift towards renewable energy solutions.

XR Scotland referenced analysis by Carbon Tracker, indicating that the environmental impact of the proposed gas power plant could far exceed official estimates. The activists stressed the urgency of meaningful action to address the climate crisis, advocating for a rapid transition to renewable energy. They criticised the reliance on carbon capture technology as a way for fossil fuel companies to maintain extraction activities under the guise of environmental responsibility.

The demonstration comes amidst ongoing debates over Scotland’s energy future and the balance between fossil fuels and renewable sources. Campaigners have previously protested against SSE’s plans at their headquarters in Perth. The approval for a second gas-burning power station and carbon capture plant in Peterhead is currently under review by Scottish ministers.

In conclusion, the protest by Extinction Rebellion activists at the Scottish Parliament underscores the growing concerns over the environmental impact of proposed gas power projects. The activists are calling for decisive action to combat climate change and transition towards sustainable energy solutions. It reflects a broader dialogue on the role of carbon capture technology and the need for a shift away from fossil fuels in Scotland’s energy landscape.