Germans delighted that their protests paid off
REACTION
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.STEVE CRAWSHAW
in Bonn and
JOHN RENTOUL
in London
The climbdown by Shell over the Brent Spar produced anger and embarrassment for the Conservatives in Britain, but virtually unanimous welcome from politicians of all persuasions in Germany, where the protest movement has been strongest.
Public opinion and the main parties in Germany have been united in opposition to the dumping plan. Pickets protested outside Shell garages, and in one incident a firebomb was thrown at petrol station.
The German environment minister, Angela Merkel, said: "The protests paid off." Shell Germany, too, welcomed the decision, saying that it had "suffered unjustly". The national boycott in Germany played a key role in forcing the change of heart.
The main German television evening news announced yesterday's dramatic volte-face by saying: "So there is some good news, after all." The media and politicians have joined forces in an almost unanimous coalition, and the news presenter summed up the German view of the UK: "Environmental feelings aren't exactly strong, on the mainland."
Greenpeace Germany, which played a key role in helping the protests to get under way, talked of "a great victory for the environment".
In Britain, opposition politicians welcomed the change. But Frank Dobson, Labour's environment spokesman, said: "It's good news for jobs and it's good news for the environment. I'm glad that Shell has seen the light and done the sensible thing. But it does expose a government that is out of touch."
Matthew Taylor, the Liberal Democrat spokesman, hailed a "triumph for the environment movement and the general public and a total humiliation for the Prime Minister". But he added: "Although it may appear matters have resolved, Government policy apparently hasn't changed ... and there are potentially 50 other installations that could go under the North Sea."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments