Feeling the heat Climate campaigners hit RBS
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Royal Bank of Scotland had to shut its Bishopsgate headquarters in the City of London temporarily yesterday, after environmental protesters superglued themselves to its trading floor during the sixth day of planned demonstrations.
Dressed as construction workers, around 20 activists used stepladders, locks and superglue to form a blockade, and unfurled banners which read "RBS: under new ownership" and "ethical renovation in progress".
The activists said they were protesting against the bank's investments in fossil fuel projects. Protester James Clarke said: "RBS is 70 per cent-owned by the public but it is completely against the public interest for our money to be used to fund climate change. Yet again, the banks are putting profit over people."
Earlier in the day, seven naked protesters held a banner saying "Climate lies uncovered" in the London Victoria office of Edelman, the communications company for EON, the energy company that is planning to build a coal-fired power station in Kingsnorth, Kent. Climate campers also joined Canadian activists in protests outside a BP building and the Canadian embassy against tar sands extraction in Alberta, described as the "most destructive fossil fuel project on the planet".
One arrest was made in a week that has seen police officers maintain a less conspicuous presence than the controversial tactics used during the G20 demonstrations in April.
Separately, campaigners from the Put People First coalition said they were planning protests in the City later this week. The coalition is calling for a crackdown on tax havens and greater investment in public services.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments