Environmental campaigners have launched a poster campaign across Bristol – pressing Government chiefs to stop handouts to ‘destructive big businesses’ as they restart after lockdown.
Extinction Rebellion Bristol is taking part in the organisation’s nationwide #NoGoingBack poster campaign at the same time as the Government is providing billions in support to businesses in a bid to help support the re-start the economy.
As the UK government starts to discuss strategies for coming out of lockdown, Extinction Rebellion says the Government must make a choice between subsidising highly polluting unsustainable big businesses, or investing in people and a sustainable future.
Campaigners say the government should be prioritising people and the planet over profit and pollution.
Poster activists have already been targeting what they claim to be the most destructive businesses looking for government handouts, plastering the yellow posters across the entrances to companies including Airbus and Top Shop,
Extinction Rebellion activist Anneka Sutcliffe said: “Today the government has started handing out bailouts to polluting industries instead of protecting the most vulnerable people.
“This is not where we want our tax money to go. We need to prioritise people and the planet over profit and pollution.
“Another world is possible.
“Even in the midst of this really hard time people have been appreciating the quiet streets and cleaner air, and valuing our green spaces more than ever.;
"Everyone should have a say in what kind of world we’ll be returning to after lockdown.
“Let’s learn from this and rebuild in a way that serves people and protects the environment. There is no going back.”
Extinction Rebellion’s campaign reflects the view of UN Secretary General Antionio Gutteres who said where taxpayers money was being used to rescue businesses it must be used to create green jobs and sustainable an inclusive growth.
Extinction Rebellion is also encouraging Bristol residents to join in applauding the local businesses that have helped them to keep going throughout lockdown.
