Climate change protestors interrupt Dorset Council meeting
Councillors were led out of the chamber in Dorchester
Last updated 15th Apr 2022
Climate change protestors have interrupted a Dorset Council meeting.
They shouted from the public gallery as councillors debated the use of fossil fuels and the UK becoming more self sufficient with energy generation.
Police were called and councillors were led out of the chamber in Dorchester.
Cameras and microphones were cut off at just under two hours into the meeting on Thursday evening.
Council leader Spencer Flower later expressed his disgust about the "totally unacceptable behaviour in the chamber by known members of Extinction Rebellion".
"I believe in democracy and the right for all strands of opinion to be heard.
"We think of the murders of Jo Cox MP, and recently Sir David Amess MP.
"Our elected representatives will not be cowed by anarchists but we will be conscious of our safety.
"We will condemn those who threaten it and our democratic values that all parties and people of the UK hold dear."
Green spokesman Dr Kelvin Clayton said he was disappointed at being told there was to be no debate left.
"We were told that we would go straight to the vote, that the chair would take no speakers.
"Many, including me, were furious.
"At least one councillor walked out in disgust. In the event all Tories voted for the motion, most Lib Dems abstained, and we voted against. Not the finest day for democracy."