The Green Party has reiterated its call for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels as climate activists gather in London this weekend for ‘the Big One’ weekend of climate action – and said a vote for the Greens in the local elections next month is a vote for climate action.
The weekend is supported by more than 200 organisations – including Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, GET PR DONE! and PCS Union to name but a few. The streets of London will be transformed with People’s Pickets outside government departments and a diverse programme of speakers, performers and workshops, awash with colour and culture. There will be art and music, talks from experts, places to listen and engage, and activities for the kids
Several high-profile Greens will be speaking during the four days of action, taking place from Friday 21 April to Monday 24 April, which have been organised by Extinction Rebellion with the support of many leading environmental charities and civil society groups. The organisers have said the event will be peaceful and non-violent.
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay said: “While the Green Party cannot speak for the organisers of this event, it is clear that we share their aim of moving beyond fossil fuels.
“Our climate is facing breakdown and nature is in freefall. Those in power should be taking decisive action now. The fact they aren’t doing so is why events like these – and getting Greens elected at all levels of government – are so important.
“At the Green Party, we share the positive and ambitious vision of those joining this event, but our route to action is through electoral politics. We share their main demand that we get serious about transitioning away from fossil fuels.
“We also share the frustration at a government failing to quickly move us to net zero and instead take us in the wrong direction by granting permission for a new coal mine, giving a green light to more oil drilling in the North Sea and investing billions in new roads.
“That’s why we desperately need more Green politicians – both in parliament and running local authorities across the country, pushing for urgent action on the climate and ecological emergency.
“On 4 May millions of people will have the opportunity in the local elections to vote for a political party that places the climate and ecological crisis front and centre stage. A vote for the Green Party is a vote for climate action."
