Extinction Rebellion activists clamp themselves to Scottish Parliament building

Extinction Rebellion activists lock themselves to Scottish Parliament building

In a gripping act of protest, two activists from Extinction Rebellion have fastened themselves to the Scottish Parliament building. They used bicycle D-locks to secure themselves around the neck to the lattice work at the front of the building, near the public entrance, on Thursday morning. The motive behind their action is to voice opposition against proposals for a new gas-fired power station. Shortly after their attachment, police set up a large black barrier obstructing the view of the two women from the public.

Extinction Rebellion revealed that keys required to unlock the activists have been dispatched to three prominent members of the Scottish Government – including First Minister John Swinney, Energy and Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin and climate action minister Alasdair Allan. The group is critical of carbon capture technology, an essential component of the plan for a new power station in Peterhead, labeling it a “scam.”

John Hardy, a spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion, expressed, “Our protest at the Scottish Parliament is about calling for meaningful action against the climate crisis. CCS (carbon capture and storage) is not the solution it’s made out to be – it is a lifeline for oil and gas companies who wish to continue extracting fossil fuels while cloaking themselves in the illusion of environmental responsibility.”

A representative for the Scottish Parliament affirmed that the situation is within the jurisdiction of Police Scotland and that access to the building remains unaffected. The demonstration unfolded just before the commencement of First Minister’s Questions at noon.

The protesters’ bold stance at the Scottish Parliament building underscores the urgent need for climate action and amplifies the voices advocating for a transition to renewable energy sources. With environmental concerns at the forefront of global discourse, their action serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing issues at hand.

Insights and Summary:
The Extinction Rebellion activists’ bold move to attach themselves to the Scottish Parliament building shines a spotlight on the gravity of the climate crisis and the urgent need for decisive action. By targeting key government officials and challenging the narrative around carbon capture technology, the activists are adding their voices to the growing calls for sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Such acts of civil disobedience play a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for tangible solutions to combat climate change.