Extinction Rebellion’s dramatic occupation of Policy Exchange, highlighted by arrests and claims of climate science denial, has intensified scrutiny of the right-wing think tank’s influence over climate policy. Here’s the full story.
Protest Arrests
Just days after several Just Stop Oil protesters received the longest jail sentences ever recorded in the UK for peaceful protests, eight peaceful protesters from Extinction Rebellion, an environmental activist group, were arrested during a demonstration in Westminster.
Grim Reaper at Protest
Activists, including one dressed as the grim reaper carrying a plastic scythe, threw fake crude oil and briefly occupied the reception of the Policy Exchange building, a prominent right-wing think tank with murky ties to fossil fuel companies.
Eight Arrested
Eight protesters were arrested by the Metropolitan Police, five on suspicion of aggravated trespass and three others on suspicion of criminal damage.
Met Police Statement
The Met stated, “Officers have responded to Old Queen Street, SW1 after environmental protesters caused criminal damage and blocked access to an office building. A further seven people have now been arrested – two on suspicion of criminal damage and five on suspicion of aggravated trespass.”
Grim Reaper’s Escape
The grim reaper, perched atop a tripod, evaded capture until they eventually descended of their own accord, only to be informed they would be reported for igniting a smoke bomb in the street. The effect this will have on their collection of the souls of the recently departed is, as yet, unknown.
Protest Demands
The protest aimed to demand an end to what Extinction Rebellion described as a “campaign of lies and disinformation” by the Policy Exchange. Activists carried banners emblazoned with messages like “Policy Exchange – cut the ties to fossil fuels” and poured pools of black liquid outside the building, accompanied by a sign reading “Caution: slippery with the truth.”
Spokesperson Criticism
Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Francesca Garlake stated, “Policy Exchange spokespeople are constantly in our newspapers, on the BBC and online posing as academic experts. In reality, they are lobbyists who are paid by oil and gas criminals like ExxonMobil to lie about the danger and urgency of the crisis setting the planet on fire.”
Climate Crisis Denial
Policy Exchange has been accused of being a “climate crisis denial lobbyist” due to its funding from fossil fuel companies, first reported by OpenDemocracy.
Influencing Legislation
The 2019 report “Extremism Rebellion,” published by Policy Exchange, has been credited with influencing the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which led to the crackdown on public protests.
Record Sentences
This legislation has led to record sentences for Just Stop Oil activists and to demands from environmental groups and campaigners for the repeal of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.
UN Condemnation
UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk condemned the sentences of the Just Stop Oil campaigners as “deeply troubling.” Michel Forst, the UN special rapporteur for environmental defenders, denounced the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and the Public Order Act 2023, which permitted the harsh sentences, as “not acceptable in a democracy.”
Call for Action
Human rights and environmental groups are intensifying their efforts to reverse the “crackdown” on peaceful protests by the previous Conservative government in an open letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, signed by 92 organisations, including Amnesty International UK, Greenpeace UK, Wildlife and Countryside Link, Liberty, and Christian Aid, which called for urgent action to protect the right to protest.
Government Relationship
The close relationship between Policy Exchange and the government has been a point of contention for climate activists.
Labour Government Opportunity
Dr Sara Melly, an XR activist, told reporters, “This new Labour government has a perfect opportunity to demonstrate it really is about change, by acting decisively on fossil fuel funded lobby groups that are out to increase the destruction of our life support system, our only living planet.”
Fossil Fuel Interests
The influence of Policy Exchange on UK climate policy highlights the broader issue of fossil fuel interests in politics. Reports have shown that the Conservative Party received substantial donations from fossil fuel interests and climate science deniers.
Integrity Concerns
This financial support has raised concerns about the integrity of climate policies and the potential for bias in governmental decisions regarding environmental issues.
Struggles Continue
The recent Extinction Rebellion protest at Policy Exchange’s offices underscores climate activists’ ongoing struggles under the draconian new laws the previous Conservative government introduced.
Future of Protests
With more climate protests likely as the climate catastrophe continues apace, it remains to be seen whether the newly elected Labour government will defend the right to peaceful protest, the future of which hangs in the balance, or whether it will use the Conservative-introduced laws as a handy tool to criminalise protest that gets in the way of business as usual, all while protesters’ lives are ruined, and the planet continues to heat up.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / John B Hewitt.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.