On Tuesday XR Peace Rebels gathered again in the MOD Gardens.
All but one of the 23 people arrested on the XR Peace blockade have been released from custody. Most are “Under investigation for obstruction of the highway.” One person for “Conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.” We’re waiting to hear about one of the two who were locked on for 5 hours to a car, and is still being held.
After regrouping, XR Peace moved their action to the other side of the MOD on Whitehall, resulting in further arrests into the afternoon. Two were arrested blocking Whitehall between Downing Street and the Ministry of Defence to demand that the government take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
Angie Zelter, one of those arrested, said:
“Climate change causes war and war causes climate change. About 6% of global carbon emissions are from military activity.”
Kate McDermot, a second arrestee from Powys, said:
“I’m acting on behalf of polar bears who are facing possible extinction because of the melting of the ice caps.”
At a “die-in” at the gates of the Ministry of Defence, Rebels sat and laid for hours, in heavy rain at times and poured fake blood onto the ground to represent the planet dying from the twin existential threats of climate change and militarism. Four Rebels: Janet Fenton, Leslie Graham (Green Councillor, Norwich), Ruth Graham, and Willemien Hoogendoorn blocked the main business entrance to the MOD. Those entering had to show passes and walk around the Rebels to get in.
Janet Fenton at the “die in” said:
“The risk of nuclear war will increase as international relations further deteriorate and conflicts increase with the deepening climate crisis.”