In the early hours of this morning, Extinction Rebellion (XR) Bedford took dramatic action to highlight the failure of the UK Government respond to the climate emergency.
The group has put unmissable giant masks on “The Faces” on Silver Street, visible to anyone walking along Bedford High Street or from Midland Road.
Activist Alis Huntington said, “I’m here today because I’m a mother, I love my children and I take my responsibility for them very seriously.
“Put simply, I want them to have a safe future.”
Alis made the masks from recycled sheets, recycled rope, velcro, bungee cord and eco-friendly fabric paint.
She said “It’s designed to highlight how our government, along with most world governments, are in a perpetual state of denial and inaction – see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil – when it comes to environmental issues.”
Alis’ son Jasper said, “Despite the overwhelming evidence that human activity is driving our planet towards catastrophic climate breakdown, governments continue to choose profit over planet, business as usual over meaningful change, and expect us all to do the same.
“The science is clear, we need to act now, or face the end of life as we know it. Wake up! ‘Business as usual’ is no longer an option.”
Another campaigner, Eric, added: “All around us I see climate disruption: flooding, heat waves, violent storms, ice caps melting and people’s lives being lost.
“That worries me so much I am standing up to say: enough’s enough. Government you must act now. I will do my bit and you should do yours for all our sakes.”
