Salisbury protest group says we're 'drowning in promises' on climate
Extinction Rebellion's staging a demo in the city centre
Last updated 12th Jun 2021
Protestors from Extinction Rebellion are today (Saturday 12th June) staging a vigil in Salisbury city centre.
They've time today's demonstration to coincide with the G7 world leaders summit in Cornwall where environmental issues are being discussed.
The campaign group's urging action saying that previous talks about climate change have amounted to very little - they claim we're "drowning in promises".
Graham Smith from XR Salisbury says, "We’ve been waiting too long for international action on the climate emergency. But it’s not just the G7 that is drowning in promises. The UK government claims it has a climate plan, but at the same time has supported expansion of airports, announced a £27 billion road-building programme – including the highly destructive tunnel and expressway – at Stonehenge – scrapped the green home grants scheme and failed to introduce any restrictions on agricultural emissions.
"Our local councils are little better. Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council both declared Climate Emergencies, but where’s the action?
"Covid-19 shows that governments can act in the face of an emergency. Now is the time to act on the climate emergency.”
"The vigil will begin on the Guildhall steps at 9am and will then move to different spots around the city. At all times, XR activists will respect social distancing and wear face masks. Only a small group of rebels will be present at any time to ensure free passage of pedestrians. We will be happy to talk to anyone about the climate and ecological emergency and how we can turn promises into action."