Climate protestors superglue themselves in the House of Commons | 5 News
In a dramatic turn of events, a group of climate protesters from the campaign group Extinction Rebellion managed to superglue themselves to a prominent spot in the House of Commons. This incident took place during a time when Members of Parliament were on recess, leaving the Commons largely empty. The protest, which transpired around noon, saw about 50 activists take part, highlighting their growing frustration over government inaction on climate issues.
The protesters reportedly gained access to the parliament without any breach of security protocols, as they were part of a public tour. They cleverly concealed their banners in bags, allowing them to pass through security unnoticed. Upon reaching the Commons chamber, several members of the group broke off from the tour, encircling the Speaker's chair and gluing themselves to each other. Their focus was not on vandalism; they emphasized that the chair remained undamaged during their demonstration.
As part of their actions, the protestors read out prepared statements, articulating their demands for a citizens' assembly—a call for public involvement in shaping future climate policies. They criticized the government's failure to address these pressing issues adequately, framing their protest as a crucial step in advocating for systemic change.
While some members were being removed, other protesters outside the building displayed their banners and sang songs, underscoring the dual approach of this protest. Notably, additional activists chained themselves to railings using bike locks and glued themselves to the pavement, indicating a more entrenched commitment to their cause.
The protest falls under what Extinction Rebellion describes as phase one of a larger, five-phase plan aimed at mobilizing public support across the country. They intend to escalate their activities, culminating in a mass demonstration in London scheduled for October.
As we reflect on this significant event, it raises important questions about the effectiveness and ethics of such protests. How do you feel about the methods employed by these activists? Are they drawing necessary attention to the climate crisis, or do their tactics hinder the cause? Join the discussion and share your thoughts below!