Protesters Scale Rishi Sunak’s Mansion, Drape it in Black Cloth

Protesters Cover UK Prime Minister’s Mansion in Climate Activism Stunt

Activists Target British PM’s Oil and Gas Policies

Source:
CNN
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Climate activists took their message to the doorsteps of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s private mansion in northern England. In a visually captivating protest, they draped black cloth over the mansion to symbolize their opposition to Sunak’s policy of maximizing the UK’s oil and gas resources in the North Sea.

Greenpeace Activists Scale PM’s Manor House

Four demonstrators from the environmental group Greenpeace managed to climb onto the Conservative party leader’s manor house in his North Yorkshire constituency of Richmond. Utilizing ladders and climbing ropes, they gained access to the roof and unfurled 200 square meters of “oil-black fabric” to cover part of the mansion. Additionally, they displayed a banner across the lawn questioning: “Rishi Sunak – Oil Profits or Our Future?”

Protest Against UK Government’s Plans

The protest was a direct response to the UK government’s recent plans to issue hundreds of licenses for drilling oil and gas in the North Sea. Sunak defended these plans, stating that they would provide domestically-sourced energy for the country’s transition to a net zero economy by 2050. He also announced the construction of two carbon capture and storage sites to be completed by 2030.

Environmental Concerns and Opposition

Despite warnings from organizations like the International Energy Agency, the UK government’s decision to expand fossil fuel production continues. This decision comes at a time when extreme heat waves, attributed to the human-caused climate crisis, have affected regions across the globe. Greenpeace expressed disappointment, stating that Sunak’s announcement undermines the country’s environmental goals and potentially paves the way for the approval of Rosebank, the UK’s largest undeveloped oil and gas field.

Greenpeace Voices Disapproval

Philip Evans, Greenpeace UK’s climate campaigner, criticized Sunak’s approach, calling him a “climate arsonist” and emphasizing the negative impact of increased drilling on the planet. Evans also highlighted a loophole in Sunak’s windfall tax that could potentially benefit oil giants financially.

Downing Street Responds and Police Involvement

Downing Street defended the government’s position, emphasizing the importance of energy security and reducing reliance on external sources. They also noted investments in renewable energy and job creation. In response to the protest, North Yorkshire Police confirmed their presence at the property in Kirby Sigston, England.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-08-03 10:28:00