TRAFFIC CHAOS AS EXTINCTION REBELLION RETURNS TO THE STREETS OF MANCHESTER THIS MORNING

Climate change campaigners 'Extinction Rebellion' have brought traffic to a standstill as they hold protests around Manchester throughout the day, with the main one focused in Peter Street which has been closed off to traffic between Oxford Street and Mount Street, where protestors have unfurled banners.

There is currently heavy traffic and congestion around the area.

Organisers say that there are planned events to happen during the coming week to raise awareness of the devastating effects of climate change. The activists continue their calls for MPs to back a climate emergency bill hold a national citizens’ assembly on the crisis.

The group will be carrying out similar actions in London and Cardiff.

XR coordinator, Anneka Sutcliffe said:

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“Obviously we’re expecting lower numbers than in October [last year] because of Covid-19 and because we’re encouraging social distancing."

 

Chris Newman, a GP who founded the Doctors for XR group, said:

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“The government have signalled that Covid is now controlled enough for schools to reopen. But just as children need an education to have successful lives, they need a planet that isn’t wrecked by short-sightedness, in order to be healthy.

“With this in mind returning to the streets to peacefully protest government negligence is our duty and our right.”

 

However, the protests have come under heavy condemnation online with some on social media claiming the protests to be a mockery and flouting of social distancing rules.

One commentator said:

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"Do these people not realise what is going on across Greater Manchester, we are STILL in a state of partial lockdown? Businesses have already been hit hard and bringing even more disruption on the roads and preventing customers travelling into town is not going to help matters any.

"We are told to social distance and avoid mass social gatherings and yet this lot think it is acceptable to bring even more misery to those just wanting to go about their day."

 

If you are heading into central Manchester you may want to consider checking for potential traffic and travel disruption.