Grangemouth road blocked again by climate activists

Protesters have glued themselves to an access road to the Ineos complex

Author: PA ScotlandPublished 25th Jul 2023

Climate activists are staging the latest in series of protests targeting Grangemouth refinery, blocking one of of the access roads to the site by sticking themselves to the ground using concrete.

The group This is Rigged - who are against oil and gas exploration - claimed responsibility for the action close to the giant Ineos complex near Falkirk.

This Is Rigged said four of their number used concrete to secure themselves to the road and delay their removal by police, while a further two used glue to stick themselves to their compatriots.

The group, which has demanded the Scottish Government vocally oppose new licences for fossil fuel developments and "and create a fair and fully funded transition for oil workers", claimed the action has effectively halted the transportation of oil tankers from the facility.

Kelpies stunt

It comes two days after two of their activists climbed to the top of the Kelpies sculptures leading to a stand-off with police that lasted nearly 12 hours before they were arrested.

Pictures shared by the group appear to show protesters laying across the road with their arms outstretched and their hands in buckets.

A 25-year-old member of the group of protesters, known only as Jamie, said: "We can no longer stand by while we head into a climate disaster.

"We must put an end to the growth of oil and gas to secure a safe future for everyone and not just line the pockets of the rich."

Another protester, known only as Xander, said: "Every moment this road to Ineos is open propels us further and further into climate collapse.

"It serves only the profits of Jim Ratcliffe, the UK's second richest man, at the expense of ordinary people.

"We can't allow it to go on any longer. We need a fair transition for workers to renewable energy."

Refinery repeatedly targeted

This action is the latest in an apparent escalation by the group in the past week, with another blockade of the same road taking place last week, along with similar action at the Nustar terminal in Clydebank.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "We are aware of protesters at the Ineos site in Grangemouth.

"A number of arrests have been made and officers remain in attendance."

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