Extinction Rebellion: Olympians among protesters blocking oil refinery in Hampshire

Elly Blake28 October 2021

Extinction Rebellion activists, including two British Olympians, have blocked the entrance to an oil refinery in Hampshire, the group has said.

Campaigners used their infamous pink boat - the Beverly Geronimo - to blockade the main entrance to the Fawley ExxonMobil refinery ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

The group said around 15 people gained access to the site early on Thursday morning by cutting electrified perimeter fences surrounding the terminal.

Pictures from the group show Olympic sailor Laura Baldwin and gold medal-winning canoeist Etienne Stott at the entrance to the refinery.

Seven protestors scaled two 50ft oil silos and unfurled two banners which read: “Climate emergency” and ‘No future in fossil fuels’.

The protesters are demanding the government stops its fossil fuel investments and are also calling for Exxon Mobil to stop its expansion plans for the Fawley refinery.

Extinction Rebellion
Extinction Rebellion

ExxonMobil is a subsidiary of oil giant Esso and its Fawley site is the largest in the UK, supplying 20 per cent of UK fossil fuels, according to XR.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said officers were at the scene.

“Everyone has the right to free speech and protest. However, officers will take necessary action against the few who deliberately choose to act outside the law.

“Police will work to ensure the health and safety of people at these locations, and to minimise the impact on the local community.”

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