Extinction Rebellion protesters block entrances to Three Counties Showground in Malvern

It's in protest of a Defence and Security event taking place there

Author: Radina KoutsaftiPublished 4th Nov 2021
Last updated 4th Nov 2021

Extinction Rebellion protesters have blocked an arms fair at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.

They have blocked four gates by sitting on top of bamboo structures.

Sixteen more are locked into heavy concrete blocks in front of the entrances and others are reported to have entered the showground compound.

Addie May Swarbrick Schwarz, a 30-year-old vegan chef, has taken time off work to perch on one of the bamboo structures at the entrance to the showground.

She said: "I'm here today to call out the military's role in fuelling the climate crisis. Every year, Britain’s military-industrial sector emits more greenhouse gasses than 60 individual countries. Our machines of war are destroying people and planet at the same time."

The protest in Malvern is part of a series of actions taking place in Glasgow and across the world during the COP26 climate summit.

Later today (4th November), Extinction Rebellion activists in Glasgow will also be marching to the Scottish headquarters of BAE Systems - one of the corporations exhibiting at the arms fair.

There is also an Extinction Rebellion blockade happening simultaneously at Schlumberger Research Centre in Cambridge.

Speaking in support of the action Dr Kathryn Gilbert, retired Professor of International Management, said: "Poorer countries suffer a huge injustice in climate and conflict. Of the 25 countries most vulnerable to climate change, 14 are suffering military conflicts.

"Sadly, in many cases, the weapons in those conflicts were manufactured by UK corporations. The climate and ecological emergency is a crime against humanity perpetrated by the rich and powerful against the poor and vulnerable."

Other activist groups are also at the blockade and voicing their opposition to the arms fair, including Three Counties Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT), Malvern Individuals for Peace, Peace Pledge Union, The Stroud Red Band, Extinction Rebellion Malvern, XR Peace, and Trident Ploughshares.

So You Want To Save The Planet

We've got a brand new podcast all about the environment and how to help save the planet, It's called So You Want To Save The Planet. If you're reading this on your phone just click on this link to find it.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.