Amazon Bristol: XR protesters set up bamboo towers in blockade at Avonmouth warehouse

Protesters arrived at the Amazon distribution centre this morning at 4am
Alex Ross
By Alex Ross
Published 26th Nov 2021, 10:28 BST
Updated 26th Nov 2021, 10:47 BST
Extinction Rebellion activists are protesting out Amazon’s fulfilment centre in AvonmouthExtinction Rebellion activists are protesting out Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Avonmouth
Extinction Rebellion activists are protesting out Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Avonmouth

Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists say they have blockaded entrances to Amazon’s huge warehouse in Avonmouth, near Bristol, this morning.

The protest, one of 13 happening at Amazon distribution centres across the UK, was planned to tie in with Black Friday.

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Protesters say they have ‘locked on’ to bamboo towers and scaffolding structures, blocking two access roads to the Avonmouth site.

Pictures taken this morning also show members on in sleep bags outside entrance gates.

While some stand with a banner

The group says it aims to disrupt Amazon’s business in order to force the global giant into changing its ‘highly climate-destructive corporate practices’.

Protesters stand with a banner outside one of the entrancesProtesters stand with a banner outside one of the entrances
Protesters stand with a banner outside one of the entrances

Activist Gaie Delay, 74, from Montpelier, said: “International businesses of this scale cannot be allowed to be laws unto themselves - their leaders bear the same responsibility as national governments.

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“We all understand that this kind of super-consumption is unnecessary and destructive.

“And a growing number of businesses are distancing themselves from Black Friday, a day that will contribute to a surge in vehicle and carbon emissions.

Two protesters keep warm while locked to the floor outside an entrance gateTwo protesters keep warm while locked to the floor outside an entrance gate
Two protesters keep warm while locked to the floor outside an entrance gate

“Two weeks after the end of COP26 it is truly shocking that Amazon is actively promoting Black Friday.

“We will not achieve the radical reductions in carbon emissions that COP26 clearly showed are necessary by just continuing ‘business as usual’.

“If we want to save the Amazon rainforest, we have to target mega-retailer Amazon.”

Amazon has been approached for comment.

It is not known how long today’s protest will last.

Related topics:Extinction RebellionAmazonBristolCOP26

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