Extinction Rebellion and GALBA to protest outside court in support of Leeds climate activist

Members of Extinction Rebellion (XR) Leeds and GALBA are set to protest outside Leeds Magistrates Court against Leeds Bradford Airport and in support of a Leeds climate activist.
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At 11.30am today (Tuesday), climate campaigners will gather outside Leeds Magistrates Court to support Leeds mum and climate activist Lizzi.

Lizzi was arrested on February 12, 2021 for allegedly throwing fake blood on Leeds Civic Hall’s steps in protest against the Leeds City Council’s decision to allow the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport.

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Her trial for criminal damage is set to be heard on Tuesday morning.

Leeds Magistrates Court
Pic: JPILeeds Magistrates Court
Pic: JPI
Leeds Magistrates Court Pic: JPI

Supporters of Extinction Rebellion and the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) will paint their hands red, wear red clothes and bring red banners.

The groups say this is "to remind everyone about the United Nations’ ‘code red for humanity’ warning about climate change and to symbolise the blood that will be shed as a result of allowing the airport to double its greenhouse gas emissions and making the climate crisis worse".

Sam Towson, a member of Extinction Rebellion Leeds, said: “Everyone knows the climate emergency is real and it is happening right now. Around the world people are losing their homes, their livelihoods and their lives because of the extreme weather caused by our changing climate.

"We can stop climate breakdown - there is still time.

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"If we don’t, it will be our children and grandchildren who suffer the worst effects in the future, right here in Leeds – we are not immune from its threats."

Chris Foren, chair of GALBA, added: “At the COP26 Climate Conference earlier this month, we heard time and time again that we must cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 to give us a fighting chance of keeping global heating below 1.5C.

"Expanding Leeds Bradford Airport would mean its emissions more or less double by 2030. We need everyone and every sector to play their part in cutting emissions, including the aviation industry.

"We’re not saying close Leeds Bradford Airport down, but it would be irresponsible to let it expand.”

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