FAQs

1. INFORMATION

How will it be inclusive and accessible?

As accessible and inclusive as possible for everyone. 

Barriers to participation that come with activism and protests, such as large crowds and police presence will affect some more than others. 

The first thing to know is that our plans do not include roadblocks, or locking on or gluing on to anything. Nor do we plan to throw paint at buildings, or anything of that nature. This is because The Big One intentionally focusses on attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks.

We’re working to create a welcoming space for all, including marginalised communities and those with disabilities, neurodivergent or mental health needs, who are often disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.

Plans include transport subsidies, accessible toilets, British Sign Language interpreters, charging points for power chairs/scooters and wellbeing stewards.

Further reading and ways to get in touch are listed on this dedicated inclusivity and accessibility page.

Which days should I come?

Come when you like, leave when you like, and stay for as long as you can.

There will be much to see and do… it’s up to you! The longer you can stay the better.

Headline activities for each day:

Friday 21st – We Unite to Survive, flooding Westminster in a wave of flags and banners.

Saturday 22nd is Earth Day – An enormous, celebration & family-friendly march for biodiversity! Costumes, music, giant puppets for the annual international day of environmental awareness. We unite for nature, biodiversity and the planet.

Sunday 23rd – We are Running Out of Time! The Big One coexists with the London Marathon as it cuts across Parliament Square, providing an exciting opportunity to engage with the huge crowds of spectators.

Monday 24th – Choose Your Future. Parliament returns.

Check out the programme here.

Whatever your plans, sign up to show your support!

Where can I stay?

Coming for multiple days, that’s great – you’ll need somewhere to stay.

Camping
To register your interest please sign up here

Join the London Campers Community Telegram Group for updates and to communicate with other potential campers.

XRUK has often facilitated campsites but camping in public spaces in London is not legal. XRUK liaises with local authorities and the Met Police to ensure camps are safe. Locations will only be released approximately 7 days before.

Indoor Accommodation
Register an available venue
Register for somewhere to stay and more information

Human Hotel
Search for available accommodation
If you are able, please sign up to host.

What should I bring?

Layered clothing, including waterproofs and comfortable shoes.

Water/drink in a reusable bottle and snacks.

Sun block (if we’re lucky) an umbrella if not!

Any medication and hygiene products you need.

No alcohol or drugs please.

And beautiful, creative placards, flags, and banners.

Can I come on my own?

Yes! Everyone is welcome, lots of people come on their own.

Turn up and find a steward (hi viz jackets) who can show you around and help you find like minded people. Or why not see if there’s a local XR group near you and link up with them.

What should I do next?

Sign up and put it in your diary, and invite your friends or family.

Plan your travel and accommodation as soon as you can. More information about Camping, Indoor Accommodation, Human Hotel and Buses is available here.

Connect with your local XR group, or if you’re able to please support the crowd funder.

What’s on?

Check out the Programme page for more information.

2. TELL ME MORE

What are we asking for?

The Big One Demand

• A citizen-led democracy to end the fossil fuel era.
• A fair society that includes reparation.

Existing Demands

XR’s three core demands remain the same: Tell the Truth, Act Now, and Decide Together.

The demand for an immediate end to all new fossil fuel licences – added in 2022 to recognise the need for definable action – also remains.

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We also retain the option to write a specifically worded political demand – one that uses the above demand as a base whilst leveraging language more familiar to the audience of MPs and policymakers.

What is this? A march? A demonstration?

It’s an action. A nonviolent, direct action. Nonviolent direct action (or NVDA for short) refers to a form of protest or activism that involves the use of peaceful, nonviolent tactics to bring about social, political, or economic change.

This can include boycotts, strikes, sit-ins, and civil disobedience, among others. It’s an alternative to violent forms of resistance or protest, as it is more effective in achieving change and can also be more inclusive, as it does not rely on the use of force or intimidation. 

NVDA is often used as a way to draw attention to an issue, create public awareness and support, and put pressure on decision-makers to address the concerns of the protesters. It can also be a way for people to express their discontent and outrage while still maintaining their principles and values.

Will it be safe?

XR has a reputation, we get that. But this time the primary aim is to get the attention of the Government, not to target disruption at the public.

Our strength is in numbers – and with massive numbers we can leave the locks and glue behind.

XR has a working relationship with Metropolitan Police, developed over the past four years of nonviolent direct action. We proactively liaise to prioritise inclusivity, safety and respect for human rights. We have met and discussed arrangements for the Big One, in particular the need for road closures.

They have affirmed our right to peacefully protest outside government buildings in April and thanked us for our early engagement. We have confirmed our shared need: to ensure no significant harm comes to anyone.

For more information check out this section of the Rebel Toolkit

The police have emphasised our right to peacefully assemble and guaranteed ample opportunities for dialogue during the course of the event. They have assured us there will be no surprises for attendees at The Big One.

Is this an XR event?

XR may have set the date – but this is far bigger than just one group. Many other organisations are planning on being there – mobilising to make this as big and as inclusive as it needs to be.

Read more about supporters and supporting here.

Will it work?

History shows us that there is a threshold of numbers above which people power is unstoppable. That’s why the target is 100,000 people. That’s why you need to be there.

On 4 November 1989 hundreds of thousands of people gathered peacefully in the Alexanderplatz in what was then East Berlin and refused to move. Five days later the Berlin Wall came down. There were no arrests.

Recent history is full of examples of the power of people power … of your power. Here are just a few: Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Manila, February 1986; Wenceslas Square, Prague, November 1989; Maidan Square, Kyiv, November 2004.

All that’s missing from the list is Westminster, London, April 2023.

Gathering peacefully in large numbers at the nation’s seat of power will create a positive, irreversible, societal tipping point.

100,000 is chosen as a meaningful number for the supposed discourse between voters and their elected representatives in Britain, as it is the number of signatories on a petition that gets a question raised in Parliament. 

What is a Citizens’ Assembly?

Citizens’ assemblies are a form of deliberative democracy, where people learn, talk and listen to each other and make decisions together.

This very ancient way of doing democracy is now increasingly happening around the world. Citizens’ assemblies are being used to solve tricky issues, not just climate.

You can find out more on our citizens’ assembly page.

Where can I find out more?

Information and updates are shared regularly on the Telegram app – which you can download for free. There are two main broadcast channels.

Rebellion Broadcast to keep up-to-date with campaign developments

Movement Broadcast to find out about talks, training and workshops

Additional information is also available on the Rebel Toolkit

3. SUPPORTERS

Who else is going to be there?

Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, CAFOD, PCS Union and many others have pledged their support for The Big One.

This is not XR’s action – it’s everyone’s. Everyone is invited, because everyone is needed.

Click here for a full list of supporting organisations.

I represent an organisation, how do I support?

A dedicated relationships team is ready to develop connections with supporting organisations, community groups, charities and more!

Click here to find out more about how your organisation can support The Big One.

4. HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Say you’ll be there

Whatever your plans, add your name and say you’ll be there.

We’ll send you regular emails with information about The Big One, and you can also stay up to date with campaign developments via the Rebellion Broadcast on Telegram.

Help spread the word

Are you on social media? Check out this handy guide to getting the message out via social media platforms.

Additional guidance on messaging is also provided.

You could also help ‘Paint the Streets’ with posters – on walls, in cafes, pubs, bus stops and other public spaces.

👁 Join the Paint The Streets Telegram chat for more.

📞 A mobilisation alternative…for Local Groups far away from London a ‘Rebel Ringing’ campaign may be more effective, contact: gardenersxr@gmail.com

Connect in person

Local groups across the UK are already planning how to support The Big One. Get involved and connect with people near you. Find your nearest XR group.

Volunteer

The plan is for the biggest climate protest ever seen in the UK and many volunteers are needed to make it happen. Anyone can volunteer, not just XR ‘Rebels’! Anyone can take on a role – even one shift helps!

There are roles on the ground (London 21-24 April) and some that can be done from home, all to help make the event safe and welcoming. Training is provided and for most roles no previous experience is needed. You can even volunteer with your friends and family!

The biggest need right now is for STEWARDS.

“I’ve been a steward for a while and absolutely love it – they are really welcoming and it’s so much fun. It’s easy to get the hang of, and there is lots of guidance.” Nic

Volunteer to help with the Big One 21-24 April (includes one from-home role) Please complete the form now so that we can offer you online training and support for your role in good time for the event.

Or see the full list of open roles on our volunteer website, including more from-home roles.