Mass banner drop across the UK urges everyone to “Unite to Survive” at The Big One outside Parliament from 21-24 April
April 06, 2023 by Extinction Rebellion
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#TheBigOne #21April #UniteToSurvive #HereComesEveryone #ExtinctionRebellion
Banners across the UK rally people to “Unite to Survive” in a stunning action by Extinction Rebellion
Over 60 colourful banners have been hung this morning from motorway bridges, at iconic sites, on castles, stone circles, coastlines and buildings from the Highlands of Scotland to the far south of Cornwall. The banners call on people to gather peacefully outside the Houses of Parliament from 21–24 April in a show of strength to demand a future that is safe and fair. Hundreds of trained participants from XR’s network of local groups took the message to cities, towns and villages across the UK from Durdle Door in Dorset to Dufus Castle near Forres, and from The Angel of the North in Gateshead to Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick.
Images are being collected here: https://xrb.link/u8J8gH9
The Big One grows even Bigger!
Tens of thousands of people will join Extinction Rebellion for “The Big One”[1] outside the Houses of Parliament from from 21st April bolstered by a growing alliance of supporting groups. As well as the 30 groups already announced, new groups are declaring their intention to stand with us every day including: Quakers in Britain, Tearfund, War on Want, Disabled People Against The Cuts, Music Declares Emergency, Parents For Future, Association of Clinical Psychologists and Landworkers Alliance.[2]
The 94 organisations coming to The Big One all have their own aims and goals but are coming together to unite to survive. The growing list of organisations reflects the growing discontent at the government’s unwillingness to act, not only on the climate and ecological emergency, but also its inability to act in the best interests of its citizens everywhere. The age-old struggle for the inclusion of all in our collective decision making is taking on a new urgency as we experience the first weather related disasters and food shortages here in the UK, as well as mass impoverishment and the breakdown of our health and social services.
Quotes from participants in today’s banner drop:
Olly Baines, 72, a retired chief exec from St Austell in Cornwall said:
“We will not stand by as the planet burns. Our banners on the A30 in Cornwall are calling for all to join us and Unite to Survive on 21-24 April in London, which aims to be the biggest environmental protest ever. There is no time left.”
Bridget Turgoose, 57, a creative director from London observed:
“Extinction Rebellion is founded in creativity with arts groups all over the world. We make things by hand with an emphasis on doing-it-together rather than the perfection of a brush stroke! This mass banner drop is to spread the word about the Big One in London, where our creativity and passion will be impossible to ignore. There is so much joy in creating which is essential in these dark times. To create is to rebel.”
John Lardner, a history teacher from Forres, Scotland said:
“I am very worried about the world my students will inherit. This is why I will be in London from 21st April to demand meaningful action on the climate and ecological crisis. For over 50 years we have known about these things but a cabal of greedy fossil fuel businessmen, bankers, politicians and journalists, have obscured the truth. Enough is enough.”
Why we are Uniting to Survive
The UK is beset by multiple crises including climate and nature breakdown[3] [4], a health crisis, institutional racism and extreme inequality while the cost of living is going through the roof. [5] These problems all have their roots in a corrupt and failing political system.[6] Trust in government has never been lower. Ordinary citizens and civil society organisations are realising that we are stronger together and that we need to Unite to Survive.
The people are way ahead of politicians on climate breakdown.[7] Last week, instead of dramatically ramping up renewable energy and home insulation the government used its ‘Green Day’ to recommit to new oil and gas projects which would blow the UK’s carbon budget.[8] It is also gambling on Carbon Capture & Storage technology [9] and other dubious measures that Ministers were warned are unlikely to work.[10] At this crucial moment in history it’s time to do the work and decide together[11] on the kind of future we all want and need.
Notes to Editors
[1] The Big One
https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/
[2] Organisations supporting The Big One
https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/supporters/
[3] The Climate Emergency
https://www.unep.org/climate-emergency
https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-truth/the-emergency/
[4] The Nature Emergency
https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/cop15-ends-landmark-biodiversity-agreement
[5] Cost of Living
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/articles/costofliving/latestinsights
[6] Corruption in Britain has reached new heights
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/corporate-state-capture/
[7] Citizens want action on climate change
[8] New oilfield would blow the UK’s carbon budget
[9] Government gambles on carbon capture and storage despite scientists doubts
[10] Ministers were warned net zero schemes won’t work
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ministers-were-warned-net-zero-schemes-wont-work-kk6xvb5m5
[11] Decide Together: About our demand for Citizens Assemblies
https://extinctionrebellion.uk/decide-together/
About Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion (XR) is a decentralised, international and politically non-partisan movement using non-violent direct action and civil disobedience to persuade governments to act justly on the Climate and Ecological Emergency.
The Big One: Unite To Survive, April 21-24 2023 | Find out about our biggest protest yet and to take part!
Donate to The Big One | Support the Rebellion
What Emergency? | Read about the true scale of the climate crisis
XR UK Local Groups | View a map of all local groups
XR UK website | Find out more about XRUK
XR Global website | Discover what’s going on in XR around the globe!
Time has almost entirely run out to address the climate and ecological crisis which is upon us, including the sixth mass species extinction, global pollution, and increasingly rapid climate change. If urgent and radical action isn’t taken, we’re heading towards 4˚C warming, leading to societal collapse and mass loss of life. The younger generation, racially marginalised communities and the Global South are on the front-line. No-one will escape the devastating impacts.