Black Friday protesters camp out at Amazon depot, blocking entry

EXTINCTION Rebellion protesters blocked the entrance to the Amazon depot in Castle Donington yesterday in a protest over Black Friday and sales’ potential contribution to the climate crisis.

A group was gathered since the early morning, some sitting on top of bamboo structures and others huddled in sleeping bags in the middle of the road where lorries come to and from the warehouse. A number of police officers were at the scene. Protesters were camping out at depots up and down the country yesterday in defiance of Black Friday, which typically sees huge numbers of deliveries being transported by lorries all over the UK.

A police spokesman said yesterday: “At 3.45am we received a report of a protest outside a warehouse in Wilders Way, Kegworth.

“Officers are currently in attendance, where more than 20 protesters are also present.

“Police are facilitating the right to peaceful protest and no arrests have been made at this time.”

The activists at Castle Donington were expected to remain there for 48 hours, likely to bring significant disruption to Amazon deliveries.

Amazon said it was working to “minimise any potential disruption to customers”.

A spokesman said: “At Amazon, we take our responsibilities very seriously. That includes our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040 - 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement - providing excellent pay and benefits in a safe and modern work environment, and supporting the tens of thousands of British small businesses who sell on our store.”