Reckless call from XR to not pay the bills

EXTINCTION Rebellion (XR) has called for supporters to stop making mortgage payments and take out loans with no intention of paying them back in an attempt to force the government and banks to take further action towards reducing carbon emissions.

They are encouraging people to engage in “financial disobedience” by refusing to pay credit card balances and other loans in what they call a “Money Rebellion”.

The idea, apparently, is that people should use the money obtained by refusing to pay back loans and mortgages by giving it to those hit by the negative impact of climate change.

I would strongly urge people who are sympathetic to XR to ignore their suggestion. If not, it could negatively impact their credit record and they could even be at risk of having their homes repossessed.

XR has made this call for financial disobedience even though Boris Johnson has announced a £12 billion plan for a green industrial revolution spanning renewable energy, nuclear power and countryside restoration.

Gail Bradbrook, one of the co-founders of XR, said they “hoped” to “shake up” the government and the banks with this campaign. I think it is reckless of the XR leadership to expect their supporters to imperil their financial security in this way.

Any remaining goodwill towards XR will evaporate if they continue to pursue activities of disruption and

civil disobedience. They are rapidly consuming what little credit they have left in the tank.

Jonathan Hucker Bristol