We held our third protest outside Barclays on Humberstone Gate on Saturday 6th May to express our opposition to the bank's investment in dirty energy. We celebrated clean, renewable energy and called on the bank to move their money and invest in a sustainable future.
Members of Leicester Friends of the Earth and Leicestershire Against Onshore Drilling organised the ‘Festival of Renewable Energy’ to show Barclays where they should invest their customers’ money and tell them to stop funding shale gas extraction in Yorkshire. Barclays own 97% of Third Energy, the company that is planning to frack in Kirby Misperton, where the community are strongly opposed to having dirty energy extraction on their doorstep.
The festival began with an unannounced flash mob inside the bank. Red Leicester Choir walked into the bank quietly and then suddenly began singing a version of ‘Bella Ciao’, calling for action on climate change. At the end of the song, campaigners unfurled a giant banner that read ‘Toxic Bank’. The flash mob was streamed live on Leicester Friends of the Earth’s Facebook page and the video has since been shared widely on social media. Red Leicester Choir then sang several other songs about fracking and climate change outside the bank.
During the day, we talked to Barclays customers, to ask them if they realise that their money is invested in dirty energy, and asked passers-by to sign a petition calling for a moratorium on fracking. Children were invited to make a paper windmill and everyone was able to dress up in the anti-fracking selfie kit and take photos to spread awareness on social media. During the afternoon, a giant model wind turbine was constructed, to show Barclays where they should invest their money.
Renewable energy is growing around the world, particularly wind and solar. In many countries, solar is now cheaper than fossil fuels and prices are predicted to keep falling. A 100% clean energy future is possible and it should be our goal.
Here in the UK, we have colossal renewable energy resources from wind, wave and sun. We are already the world leader in offshore wind power and there is huge potential for growth. There are half a million solar installations on UK rooftops, which is creating jobs and boosting the economy.
We ask Barclays to invest their customers’ money in a clean, sustainable future
