Extinction Rebellion Southsea cancel demonstration planned this weekend

Members of Extinction Rebellion (XR) Southsea were planning to protest outside Barclays Bank in Commercial Road this Saturday from 10am.

Protesters claim the British company is adding to the climate crisis by investing in fossil fuels.

Selma Heimedinger, from XR Southsea, said: 'We are in a climate emergency, meaning our planet is becoming hotter, environments are collapsing and species are being driven to extinction.

'In order to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degree Celsius, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground. Those are the facts.

'Despite signing the Paris Pledge For Action, Barclays Bank have invested more than $85bn in fossil fuels over the past three years. T

'They have channelled $24bn into 100 gas, oil and coal companies, earning themselves a top 10 ranking among fossil fuel financiers globally. Barclays Bank is the biggest funder of fossil fuel infrastructure in Europe.

'By investing in environmentally destructive projects, Barclays are fuelling the climate crisis, and using everyday people’s money to do so.

'People deserve to know that their bank is fuelling climate disaster- climate chaos which will impact on children’s future living conditions. They deserve a better option.

'We are also continuing to hold Portsmouth City Council to account for their declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. We ask them to divest from using Barclays Bank for their finances and show the people of the city that they are serious about tackling climate change.'

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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