Portsmouth Extinction Rebellion campaigners' presence is felt in silent protest outside Guildhall over coronavirus recovery

Extinction Rebellion Portsmouth congregated three metres apart outside Guildhall Square wearing masks and gloves to persuade the government not to revert to how things were before lockdown.

The protestors were asking the government for a citizens’ assembly to focus on the coronavirus recovery.

The pandemic indirectly boosted the environment with fewer cars on the roads whilst campaigners also believe it served to reinforce how the NHS has been underfunded - with them urging the government not to make the same mistake in the future.

Standing still silently whilst holding signs for an hour at lunchtime on Saturday, the 15 protestors made a roar in the heart of the city.

The protest was part of a nationwide event, which included protests London, Birmingham and Sheffield.

Co-ordinator Selma Heimedinger said: ‘We are at a crossroads now and our protest was about us making sure we don’t go back to how things were before lockdown.

‘Since lockdown there have been fewer cars on the roads and less pollution which has helped the environment. With the NHS, money was being put before people previously, until coronavirus.

‘We worry that things will go back to how they were - but things weren’t working before. I don’t think the government have done a good job after they eased lockdown too fast and have sent out confusing messages.

‘The pandemic was about saving lives to begin with and now seems to be about us not having enough money.’

Speaking of how the protest went, Selma added: ‘It went really well. Lots of people walked past and read the signs. We couldn’t talk but got a lot of attention.’

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on portsmouth.co.uk. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to portsmouth.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit our Subscription page now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.