Supported by…
21–24 April 2023
100,000 people at the Houses of Parliament.
Impossible to ignore.
The climate, nature and humanity face disaster. We know it’s time to act. Do you trust politicians to do the right thing for us? For the planet?
Join 100,000 people holding them to account. Tell me more.
Sign up and be counted too…
20,289
That’s how many have said they’ll be there.
Inclusive and Accessible
This invitation is for everybody to Unite to Survive from the 21st to the 24th April at The Houses of Parliament, Westminster.
- Family friendly
- Accessible and welcoming
- Creative
- Engaging
Awash with colour and culture, the politically powerful streets of Westminster will be transformed with People’s Pickets outside government departments and a diverse programme of speakers, performers and workshops.
You are needed, we are needed, everyone is needed.
Here comes everyone.
FAQs
1. INFORMATION
- How will it be inclusive and accessible?
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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?
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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.
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! we coexist 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, the demand is delivered.
Whatever your plans, sign up to show your support!
- Where can I stay?
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If you’re thinking of coming for multiple days, that’s great!
We’re working on a range of accommodation options, but we can’t guarantee space for everybody.
If you’re able to, find your own place to stay. Or sign up and wait for more details.
- What should I bring?
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Layered clothing, including waterproofs and comfortable shoes.
Water 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?
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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?
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Sign up and put it in your diary.
Then invite your friends and family. We’ll send you more details about travel and accommodation as soon as we can.
Connect with your local XR group, or if you’re able to please support our crowd funder.
2. TELL ME MORE
- What are we asking for?
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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.
*
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?
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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?
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XR has a reputation, we get that. But this time we’re here to get the attention of the Government, not disrupt the public.
Our strength is in numbers – and with massive numbers we can leave the locks and glue behind.
- Is this an XR event?
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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.
- Will it work?
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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?
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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.
3. HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
- Say you’ll be there
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Whatever your plans, add your name and say you’ll be there.
We’ll send you regular emails with information about The Big One.
- Help spread the word
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Are you on social media? Check out this handy guide to getting the message out via social media platforms.
- Connect in person
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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
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If you have time to offer, a huge team of volunteers is needed to make sure things run to plan. Can you help us?
Join our volunteer channel online community and get help to find a role.
Or go straight to a list of open roles on our volunteer website.
- Donate
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Ambitious projects have ambitious fundraising targets to match, with generous and appreciated donations coming in from far and wide.
Can you help? View the Crowdfunder.
4. SUPPORTERS
- Who else is going to be there?
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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?
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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.