Extinction Rebellion activists are assembling on Dover seafront as they prepare to “blockade” the major port on Saturday.
Activists are expected to block two major roads out of the port for approximately four hours, the environmental group has said.
It is expected that the “No Food on a Dying Planet” demonstration at the Kent port will be mirrored across the Channel by fellow Extinction Rebellion activists.
The Port of Dover said it is aware of the protest and is working with
police to minimise disruption.
Activists have been assembling near the ferry port this morning, ahead of the planned “blockade” at 11am.
Protesters have been gathering near the port throughout the morning, with songs such as The Clash’s I Fought The Law reportedly heard blaring out of a speaker set.
Live
music is set to become part of the demonstration as it continued into the afternoon.
Flags and signs can be seen adorning the seafront railings, with slogans such as “rebel for life” and “climate breakdown kills”.
Chris Atkins from Extinction Rebellion Dover said: “As climate change develops, millions of ordinary Britons will face the real and growing threat of food shortages, hunger and starvation.
“Extreme storms and floods are already causing major crop failures across the world, with high temperatures also hitting livestock agriculture.
“This crisis may seem far away now but given the dependency of the
UK on food imports we are extremely vulnerable.
“The Government must tell the truth and act now.”
The blockade is expected to remain in place until 3pm, and a spokesperson has said that assessments carried out by the group showed that the action “will not cause any disruption to vital supplies” such as medicine.
Atkins added: “Extinction Rebellion appreciates the blockade will directly affect ordinary people and businesses, but we feel the action is necessary in order to call the government to action.”
A spokesman for the Port of Dover said: “We are aware of the protest plans and as a result, Port of Dover Police are working closely with Kent Police to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.”Related... What Are The Climate Strike Protesters Actually Demanding? Extinction Rebellion Lays ‘Bleeding’ Red Carpet To Protest
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