COUNCIL’S PLEA TO CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIVISTS
COUNCIL bosses are calling on climate change activists to re-think a week of planned protests because of the pandemic.
Extinction Rebellion protesters are currently staging a large demonstration in Manchester city, which is set to be followed by a march later this afternoon.
The protest, which has closed a number of roads including Oxford Street, is one of a number of events campaigners have planned for this week.
Manchester council says however that the protests ‘cannot adhere’ to the local lockdown restrictions still in place in Manchester, which prohibit groups of more than six people from meeting up outdoors.
They are calling on the group to ‘seriously reconsider’ their actions, in light of the pandemic. In a statement, the deputy leader of the council, Coun Nigel Murphy, said: “We will always respect the right to peaceful protest and try to support demonstrators to do so safely.
“However, we are in the midst of a global public health crisis and we would ask demonstrators to seriously reconsider their actions at the current time. Manchester is currently under increased restrictions to limit the spread of the virus because the number of cases has been rising. “You should only socialise in outside public places (like parks) in groups of up to six people from multiple households. “Gatherings larger than six should only take place if everyone is exclusively from two households or support bubbles. You should always socially distance from people outside of your household. Demonstrations like those planned cannot adhere to these rules.
“Communities across the city are complying by the guidelines - often at personal expense, making sacrifices to do the right thing.
“We all have a responsibility to limit the spread of the virus and this means adhering to the ongoing restrictions and following the simple public health advice - keep our distance, wash our hands and wear a face covering.
“Of course, we recognise the urgency of climate change. Manchester has one of the most ambitious carbon targets in the UK - working to become zero carbon by 2038.
“So we understand the importance of encouraging the debate - but this should not be at the expense of local people.”