Saturday, December 3, 2022, 3:06 PM
According to organizers, activists have protested in buildings like the British Museum and Scottish Power Headquarters against rising energy costs and “skyrocketing levels” of fuel shortages.
Members of the grassroots movements Don’t Pay UK or Fuel Poverty Action claimed that activists packed their mattresses with blankets, sleeping bags, and hot water bottles into the lobby at an energy company in Glasgow at 9am.
Another “warm up” demonstration saw a group enter the British Museum’s Great Hall – Europe’s largest indoor public space – where they protested the museum’s sponsorship of oil giant BP. Don’t Pay UK also reported that the activists also entered the Great Hall.
The protest was captured on film. Visitors to the museum watched as a group sat in a circle and one of them thanked “XR – Living crisis”.
A third group is also expected at Westfield Shopping Center in Stratford (east London).
According to the group, the warm-up protests consisted of “an unauthorized occupation at a warm bank run site” and drawing attention towards skyrocketing fuel prices.
The group claimed that the demonstrations were part of the National Day of Action for Fuel Poverty, Don’t Pay UK and Fuel Poverty Action, as well as other climate and community organizations.
Barclays branches in Hastings will be confronted by activists about their investments in fossil fuels. They claim that this is causing an increase in energy prices and a worsening climate crisis.
Other protests in warm-up will be held in Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, and Bristol.
Neil Smith, spokesperson for Don’t Pay, stated: “Nobody should freeze in winter. But what we’re seeing are mass defaults on outrageous energy costs, and thousands are set up to freeze in their homes.
“While the government stands by, we are coming together in our communities to fight back and keep each other warm.”
Don’t Pay was a campaign that encouraged people to cancel their direct debits for energy bills. This was in response to the “massive default”, which is already taking place among those who can’t afford heat.
These groups are asking the government to address the energy and cost-of living crisis immediately by introducing energy “for all”, which is defined as a “free global range of energy to meet people’s energy needs.”
“Ending all public funds that subsidize fossilfuels, more effective windfall tax on energy companies, and higher tariffs of luxury household energy consumption will pay the price.”
Stuart Bretherton, coordinator of the Fuel Beauty Action campaign, said: “Energy for All will do what our energy system and economy should ultimately direct us to, ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met.
“Ordinary people cannot afford the crises caused by the rich, it is time for the big polluters and profiteers to pay their share.
“Through this we can also catalyze much-needed climate action on home insulation and the transition to renewables.”
Nina Lloyd Press Association
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