COP26 protesters march on Glasgow defence firm
- Published
Marchers gathered outside the BAE Systems shipyard in Govan
Climate change protesters have targeted UK government offices and a shipyard in Glasgow.
Hundreds of Extinction Rebellion activists assembled at an immigration centre in the Cessnock area before marching to nearby BAE Systems.
Police have lined the gates of the Govan yard where protesters have blocked the road.
Elsewhere, people were briefly stopped from going into a former homeless shelter taken over by activists.
Douglas Renshaw, of Extinction Rebellion Glasgow, said BAE Systems had been targeted because of what he described as the link between military action and climate change.
He said: "Our governments have allowed spending on arms to outstrip spending on climate solutions.
"They've created a brutal world where many face conflict over ravaged resources."
Protestoe Bhavini Patel told BBC Scotland she was part of a protest outside the Home Office immigration facility in Cessnock to highlight what will happen to people forced to move from their homes by climate change.
She said: "We're going to see lots of displaced form the climate emergency.
"They want to be in their homes, they want to be in their country, they don't want to be here but they do need our support and solidarity right now."
Protesters gave speeches and banged drums outside the Home Office building before setting off for BAE Systems.
Protester Bhavini Patel said people in the global south displaced by climate change in the coming years will be forced to move to the global north
An occupation called Baile Hoose has taken over an empty homeless shelter in the Tradeston area which is owned by Glasgow City Council.
The move is designed to give shelter for activists who have not been able to secure accommodation.
The Baile Hoose tweeted that its gates had been locked after the police arrived but later said people were being allowed to enter and leave.
Protesters outside BAE Systems in Govan
The gates of an empty homeless shelter taken over by activists
Elsewhere, protesters dressed as the Pokémon character Pikachu have gathered opposite the COP26 conference venue.
They were demanding an end to Japan's support for coal power.
Leading climate change campaigner Greta Thunberg has shared her dismay at the COP26 summit in a tweet that describes it as a "greenwash festival".
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On Wednesday five people were arrested at demonstrations across Glasgow.
Scuffles broke out during an Extinction Rebellion demonstration outside the SSE energy company as two activists tried to force their way into the building.
One of those arrested - 60-year-old Andrew Naylor from Edinburgh - has appeared in court accused of spaying paint at three Thames Valley police officers who were on duty.
He made no plea and was released on bail on condition that he stays away from Glasgow city centre until the end of the summit.
Most of the demonstrations against corporate "greenwashing" were peaceful as officers accompanied marchers.
Protesters dressed as Pikachu are seen holding signs reading Japan stop funding coal during a protest outside the COP26 Summit
On Friday, thousands are expected to march through Glasgow with the Fridays for Future movement.
Saturday will see another large march from the COP26 Coalition, with organisers saying tens of thousands are expected.
The COP26 global climate summit in Glasgow in November is seen as crucial if climate change is to be brought under control. Almost 200 countries are being asked for their plans to cut emissions, and it could lead to major changes to our everyday lives.
- Published4 November 2021
- Published3 November 2021
- Published4 November 2021
