Extinction Rebellion 2022: Is there an XR protest in Bristol on Saturday? Why & where will they be protesting?

While Rishi Sunak and LIz Truss mull over tax reform, Extinction Rebellion (XR) plan to put climate change back on the agenda with  a protest in Bristol..

Extinction Rebellion Bristol broke the news on social media earlier this month, labelling the protest a “day of action for climate and transport.” Electronic duo Groove Armada - who are fresh off the back of a Glastonbury appearance - showed support for the protests via Twitter.

XR aim to bounce back after recent protests have seen a decline in turnout and fewer arrests.

Who is Extinction Rebellion (XR)?

According to the group - XR are a “non-violent, civil-disobedience movement”.

The group primarily focuses on environmental and socio-economic issues and demand three things:

They want institutions to be transparent about the risks affecting society; immediate action on the climate emergency and the creation of a Citizens Assembly on Climate and Ecological justice.

In the past, the grassroots movement has come under criticism for its eyebrow-raising demonstrations such as blocking traffic, glueing oneself to a government building and blockading an Amazon warehouse.

What is Extinction Rebellion protesting?

XR have centred saturday morning’s protests around three key issues - Bristol Airport expansion, fair bus fairs for everyone and public ownership of public transport.

In February, Bristol Airport won its appeal to increase passengers from 10 million to 12 million despite opposition from Bristol City Council. The plans also allows Bristol Airport to build thousands of parking spaces.

Councillor Ciaran Cronnelly opposed the decision, he said: “The airport may chalk this up as a win but for nearby residents this is a huge and impactful loss.”

XR is protesting over cheaper public transport, including free bus fares for all people under 25, and for the transport sector as a whole to come under public ownership.

The protest is set to take place on Saturday 30 July at 10am in Queen Square.

A spokesperson for the group says the protest is "likely to cause some traffic disruption on the city centre roads".