Perhaps ‘Extremist Rebellion’ is a more suitable title

WITH ref to the letter from Francis Kirkham (WMN 23 April). I regret that owing to a spell in Derriford hospital I have been unable to reply but I would like take this opportunity to record my gratitude to all the doctors, the ever cheerful nurses and staff, whose care could not have been bettered anywhere.

Turning to Mr Kirkham’s letter and his robust defence of XR in which he refers to myself and ‘my cronies’, (which presumably encompasses anyone who disagrees with him) as ‘Moaning Minnies’.

If he had read my letter properly he would have noticed that I said “peaceful protest is one thing, criminal damage and preventing ordinary folk from going about their lawful business is another.” Attempting to spray fake blood on a building and digging up the grass on other sites is wanton vandalism, as is the total disregard for those who have the unfortunate job of unsticking the idiots who glue themselves to a boat and other objects and those who have missed important appointments because of roads being blocked by protesters.

An article in a Sunday paper (and another on Tuesday) states that it has received documents stating that XR, having had their activities curtailed by the virus, are planning to launch a rent strike, followed by a ‘tax strike’ to withhold £100 of income tax and an attack on banks by taking out loans and refusing to pay it back, as well as withholding payment to energy companies unless they switch to 100% renewable energy. If this is true and not the fictional work of sensationalist journalists, then it would appear to show that XR has indeed been infiltrated by extremists who have hijacked the cause and are intent on using it for their own anarchic purposes. Perhaps ‘Extremist Rebellion’ would be a more suitable title.

While I am sure Mr Kirkham would not dream of taking part in any of the illegal activities listed above, perhaps he would be good enough to tell WMN readers if this is what he calls a successful way of conveying the XR message, and whether or not he approves of such actions in support of climate change.

A long-winded reply in support of XR is not necessary, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will suffice.

Paul Mercer Tavistock