Celebrities join protest to raise awareness of biodiversity in UK

More than 350 different charities and businesses have joined forces

Author: Rory GannonPublished 22nd Jun 2024

Celebrities have taken to the streets in support of a protest highlighting the need for more support to the environment in the UK.

A number of famous faces joined a large demonstration in London on Saturday (June 22nd), including actress Dame Emma Thompson.

As well as this, Dame Judi Dench and actor Iwan Rheon were seen leading the march, which made its way through the capital.

The protest was supported by over 350 different charities, businesses and action groups, including the Wildlife Trust.

During the march, protestors called for the incoming government to support moves for environmental action, including "bold" steps to protect plants and animals.

Explaining her reasoning for joining the parade, actress Thompson said she would be calling on politicians to make those changes.

"Everyone who's ever written about our country - it's all been about the beauty," she said.

"And now, this is beauty is being spoiled, polluted and destroyed at an unprecedented rate - and we have to take action now."

She added: "There is not enough discussion about this; it has to come to the forefront of our politics at every level."

Springwatch presenter Chris Packham also explained the need to be aware and ensure collaboration on such an important topic - which has been dominated by groups such as Just Stop Oil and the National Trust.

"They both have a role to play, you don't have to like either of them but what you have to do is recognise that whilst they may not be in the same team, they're playing the same game," he said.

"When we pull it off tomorrow, one of the greatest successes will be having direct action groups standing alongside long established and quite conservative groups with small NGOs.

"And I think that this is testament to the fact that everyone is recognising that now is the time to accept our commonality... because we are in a last stand for nature."

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