Musician Billy Bragg has heaped praise on Bristol youngsters taking part in the Extinction Rebellion protest - and played down concerns over road closures.
Bragg spoke to crowds on Bristol Bridge this morning (Tuesday, July 16) before performing at a packed College Green in the afternoon.
The singer-songwriter told Bristol Live he was “glad” younger people were at the forefront of the movement calling for action over climate change.
Bragg told Bristol Live: “It's great to see young people here in Bristol taking control of the campaign.
“We've been waiting for a new generation to come along and start holding the banner.”
The 61-year-old explained that he views the Extinction Rebellion protesters as being part of a global “accountability movement” alongside Black Lives Matters and #MeToo.
And he described his joy upon finding that so many of Bristol’s activists were from younger generations.
He said: “I’m really pleased to be told what to do by people who are still in their teens. I’ve waited a long time for these people - I’m so glad they’re here.”
Addressing crowds at Bristol Bridge, which is set to be shut until Friday, Bragg dismissed suggestions that the city’s residents would be unable to cope with extra delays on the roads.
He said: “I was here last week...and I came out of the hotel one time and turned right instead of left and to get where I needed to go, which was only half a mile away, I had to go past Temple Meads three times.
“So don't talk to me that people are going to be worried about one more extra road they've got to drive round.
“This is Bristol, for Christ's sakes. Anywhere else in the world it would be outrage. Here it's like, 'Oh well, just have to go past Temple Meads again, I suppose’.”
Some protesters caused hold-ups during rush hour today as they blocked access to the M32.
