LIVE UPDATES: Crowds gather in Leeds city centre for huge climate change rally

Thousands of people are expected to gather in Millennium Square on Saturday "to send a message to the world’s politicians gathered in Glasgow for the United Nations COP26 summit".
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The COP26 Coalition is a global coalition of civil society groups, organised in Glasgow by TUC Scotland and Friends of the Earth Scotland.

The West Yorkshire hub has members from every West Yorkshire District, from Trade Unions and Trades Councils, the Friends of the Earth Network, XR groups, Our Future Leeds, Just Transition Wakefield and more.

On November 6, the group will gather at noon to "demand action from global leaders" to "ensure that people and the planet are protected".

Follow below for live updates:

LIVE UPDATES: Crowds gather in Leeds city centre for huge climate change rally

Key Events

March about to leave Millennium Square

Huge crowds gather to watch speakers

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin: The government have to lead, but they can be persuaded by people on the ground like us

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin told the YEP: “It’s brilliant to be here in the Millennium Square. There are so many families and activists and people who care about the climate challenge.”

The Mayor was at the rally to speak about “how we have to get to net zero by 2038”.

“It’s an emergency and I’ve put things in place,” she said.

“We’ve got our carbon reduction plan, we’re working really hard planning retrofitting homes, trying to get a green bus service. We’re hoping the government is going to come with us on that journey - get more people out of their cars, more people walking and cycling. It’s a big job but we have to do it for the planet - and also for the skills and jobs.”

“This matters. It’s across generations, across families, its individuals its businesses its education. We all need to pull together to do this. The government obviously have to lead, but they can be persuaded by people on the ground like us.”

Christian Climate Action gather on the steps of the town hall

“Enough is enough,” say Christian Climate Action, who plan to head towards Millennium Square on a ‘prayer walk’.

Rev John Swales warns: “without big changes we face a future of mass starvation and societal collapse.”

Crowds begin to gather in Leeds City Centre

“My son’s sign says ‘we can change’. That is the message. Action now.”

Andrea Hill, a Leeds resident taking part in the walk:

Morning Leeds.

Thousands of people are expected to gather in Millennium Square on Saturday "to send a message to the world’s politicians gathered in Glasgow for the United Nations COP26 summit".

Our live reporter is heading to the rally and will be providing the latest updates above:

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