Two Extinction Rebellion activists arrested after padlocking themselves to Scottish Parliament

Two activists from Extinction Rebellion were arrested after attaching themselves to the Scottish Parliament building using padlocks. The demonstration was carried out by protestors this morning, with two individuals successfully securing themselves to the outer Holyrood building. They sent keys for the locks to John Swinney and two other SNP ministers along with letters requesting them to come out and personally unlock the activists.

The protest was aimed at opposing plans for a second gas power station in Peterhead, with the Scottish Government currently assessing whether the plant should be approved. Extinction Rebellion (XR) Scotland alleged that Police Scotland had obstructed the protest by using black screens to prevent the public from witnessing the chained-up activists and their banners. The group stated that a Scottish government official had confirmed the receipt of letters containing keys for the ministers, although the MSPs did not emerge. However, they were informed that an official response from the Scottish Government would be provided. The two activists were eventually removed from the site, taken into police custody, and charged with Breach of the Peace at Livingston Police Station.

XR activists believe that the proposed second gas-burning power station in Peterhead, operated by SSE and Equinor, will have detrimental effects on climate efforts. They dispute the claims made by the energy firms that the plant will utilise carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to offset emissions, considering it unproven. John Hardy, representing XR Scotland, emphasised that relying on CCS is not a viable solution to the climate crisis, as it primarily benefits oil and gas companies seeking to prolong fossil fuel extraction under the guise of environmental responsibility. This action highlights the urgent need for a swift transition to renewable energy solutions, rejecting mere technological fixes that sustain the fossil fuel industry.

Gary Jack from XR Scotland further argued that committing to an additional 25 years of imported gas through the proposed power station poses threats to Scotland’s energy security and exposes the nation to rising international gas prices. The activists demand tangible solutions to address the climate emergency rather than empty assurances. They stress the critical importance of prioritising real measures to safeguard the planet and future generations.

Insights and Summary:
The Extinction Rebellion activists’ bold demonstration at the Scottish Parliament serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent global climate crisis. The activists’ commitment to raising awareness and challenging governmental decisions reflects a growing societal demand for concrete actions to combat climate change. Their emphasis on the shortcomings of carbon capture and storage technology underscores the need for a comprehensive shift towards sustainable and renewable energy sources. As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, such protests play a vital role in advocating for meaningful change and holding authorities accountable for promoting a greener, more sustainable future.