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At 4am this morning, Extinction Rebellion returned to the Esso West oil facility near Heathrow Airport in London. They are currently blocking the entrance with 2 bamboo structures and around 30 people. They are using 2 large banners that say ‘Join Us – London 9th April’ and ‘Stop Fossil Fuels Now’.

This is the fourth day in a row in which oil facilities across the UK have been blocked as part of ongoing action by Extinction Rebellion and the Just Stop Oil coalition. Over the weekend Just Stop Oil continued to block oil depots in Grays, Purfleet, Buncefield, Tamworth and Central Birmingham. 

We will continue to block oil facilities until the government agrees to stop all new fossil fuel investments immediately. 

Andrew Smith from Extinction Rebellion said: “We’re here to say that climate action cannot wait. Right now, governments are choosing to exploit the crisis in Ukraine to hand out oil licences and continue the fossil fuel economy that’s destroying us. They are exploiting public fear and disorientation at a time of crisis when people’s bills are going up to advance corporate-friendly policies incapable of attracting democratic support. 

“The reality is, the UK public wants faster action on climate as the energy crisis hits. We know what is happening and what needs to be done – by acting in favour of corporate interest over the will of the people, the government is showing contempt for the people who elected them. How long ago did our Prime Minister say COP26 was our last chance to save humanity? And now they’re sidelining climate policy once again. This is not living in reality.”

The action continues as the disruption begins to be felt at petrol pumps. Over the weekend, there were reports that petrol stations were empty with people asking whether there was a fuel crisis. 

The latest IPCC report which is due today is predicted it may be delayed as scientists accuse governments of trying to water down their findings, with many scientists urging an end to fossil fuels. The IPCC report which came recently tells us in no uncertain terms that the window is closing on adaptation – let alone mitigation. It also states that staying on fossil fuels means that half the population of the continent of Africa could be displaced within the next eight years. African countries have not caused this crisis.

Charlie Gardner of XR Scientists, said: “Just a month ago, the world’s scientists warned that we have a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future. Yet, incredibly, the media paid it almost no attention and our government continues to double down on our addiction to fossil fuels. There really could be no more serious warning, and we absolutely need to take emergency action.”

The action comes as similar blockades are underway in France, Australia, Sweden, Canada, The U.S., Austria, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and Norway. 

The disruption at oil facilities in the UK is a preface to the Rebellion beginning in London on April 9th. Extinction Rebellion is calling on everyone watching the current protests to join them at Hyde Park on the day at 10am to finally bring an end to fossil fuels. We will return to the streets day after day until our immediate demand – for the UK government to immediately end all new fossil fuel investments – is met. 

Find out more about the Rebellion here. 

ABOUT EXTINCTION REBELLION

Time has almost entirely run out to address the ecological crisis which is upon us, including the 6th 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, and the societal collapse and mass loss of life that that implies. The younger generation, racially marginalised communities and the Global South are on the front-line. No-one will escape the devastating impacts.

Extinction Rebellion believes it is a citizen’s duty to rebel, using peaceful civil disobedience, when faced with criminal inactivity by their Government.

Extinction Rebellion’s key demands are:

1. Government must tell the truth by declaring a climate and ecological emergency, working with other institutions to communicate the urgency for change.
2. Government must act now to halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2025.
3. Government must create and be led by the decisions of a Citizens’ Assembly on climate and ecological justice.

What Emergency? | Extinction Rebellion in Numbers |This Is Not A Drill: An Extinction Rebellion Handbook 

Get involved

• In the UK, come to one of our events, join the Rebellion Network and let us know how you can help out.
• Start a group where you are: in the UK or around the world.
• Find your local group.
• Check out the International XR website, with links to the French, German, Italian and UK websites.
• While you’re at it, support our fundraiser!