Windsor Extinction Rebellion protestors insist action will cause 'minimum disruption'

Extinction Rebellion protesters have insisted there will be ‘minimum disruption but maximum impact’ as major demonstrations begin in Windsor tomorrow (August 30). 

Activists are set to pitch up camp in Windsor Home Park for a planned three days of occupation, in a bid to pressure authorities to do more to fight against environmental threats.

The action – dubbed Upgrade Democracy – features a ‘Massembly’ debate as well as marches to Windsor Castle.

Earlier this month, the Royal Borough warned of an ‘enhanced police presence’ in the town and said it cannot give permission or support overnight camping and other licensable activity on a council managed park.

It cited safety concerns and disruption caused to residents, visitors and businesses.

These concerns have been echoed by the town’s MP, Jack Rankin, who said: “While they have every right to conduct a peaceful protest, given what has unfolded at some of their previous events, I share many of your [residents’] concerns that this event has the potential to cause significant disruption to the town and go beyond what it means to protest peacefully.”

He said the council should be ready to take civil legal action if ‘those involved go beyond the approved space in the park or beyond the timeframe which they have been made welcome’ and called for a robust police response to ‘disruption which spills beyond the law’.

But organisers have insisted the influx of protesters to the town will cause ‘minimum disruption’.

Extinction Rebellion (XR) spokesperson Etienne Stott, an Olympic gold medal-winning canoeist at London 2012, said: “Of course there’s going to be extra people [around Windsor] but I would suggest what we’re talking about is something very, very important.

“We invite people to consider whether or not – what I would imagine is a very small amount of disruption, if there is any – is disproportionate to what we’re trying to prevent: which is the collapse of the ecosystems which keep our societies stable.”

He added: “Upgrade Democracy has been designed to have minimum disruption but maximum impact – that’s the balance we’re trying to strike.”

He also said reports in the national media that suggested action could involve protesters ‘storming the castle’ were ‘complete nonsense’ that would be ‘counter to our aim’ of peaceful demonstration.

Protesters are expected to begin arriving in Windsor this morning (Friday).

Saturday morning will see the first march towards Windsor Castle, followed by a second march on Sunday morning.

XR organisers have said the ‘centrepiece’ of its three-day action is a three-hour Massembly in The Long Walk from 2.30pm on Saturday.

The Massembly – citizens’ assembly – involves protesters breaking into small groups to debate and vote on action they want to be taken to address the ‘climate and nature emergency’.

An online Massembly will be held at the same time.

Etienne said protestors had chosen Windsor for their Upgrade Democracy demonstration because of its symbolism as an ‘historic’ seat of power.

“It’s a really iconic location, representing power and a historical system of ruling over people,” he said.

“But what we’re trying to do is to actually involve everyone in these decisions.”

He acknowledged King Charles III ‘is interested and outspoken’ in supporting more protections for the environment – and urged other leaders to put their support to the cause.

“The Upgrade Democracy action is all about trying to open this conversation about the way that our current political system is really floundering and struggling to get to grips with this hot potato topic of the climate and nature emergency,” Etienne said.

“Extinction Rebellion are suggesting that we can use a citizens’ assembly on climate and nature emergency to get to grips with this issue.”

Protesters want residents in and around Windsor to get involved in their campaign efforts.

Etienne said: “We are completely dedicated to peaceful non-violent methods and we are working, liaising with the council and local police to make sure this is a safe and inclusive event.”

He added: “The Long Walk is a beautiful part of Windsor, we’re going to be treating it very respectfully.

“People are welcome to come along and check it out.

“I think people will be very happy with what they see.”

Mr Rankin said ‘many, if not most’ constituents share concerns that the ‘threat of climate change demands a serious response'.

He added: “I urge you [XR] to respect the people of Windsor this weekend and work constructively with politicians at all levels as we move to Net Zero in a timeframe that respects livelihoods and an international context whereby the United Kingdom is responsible for less than 1 per cent of global emissions.”