Extinction Rebellion stage demonstration on Hastings Pier

The Hastings and St Leonards branch of Extinction Rebellion held a peaceful protest against climate change over the weekend.
Extinction Rebellion demonstration on Hastings Pier. Picture: Lee Floyd SUS-200713-170619001Extinction Rebellion demonstration on Hastings Pier. Picture: Lee Floyd SUS-200713-170619001
Extinction Rebellion demonstration on Hastings Pier. Picture: Lee Floyd SUS-200713-170619001

The group temporarily installed 1,000 pairs of children’s shoes on Hastings Pier on Saturday (July 11) in a performance installation entitled GONE.

Extinction Rebellion said the shoes send a ‘chilling reminder’ that children and young people are most vulnerable to the climate and ecological emergency.

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As lockdown rules ease, Extinction Rebellion has demanded the Government respond to these global crises with the same urgency as they have to Coronavirus.

Originally performed in Trafalgar Square, London, by Extinction Rebellion UK, the event was recreated on Hastings Pier, where the group said the ‘proximity of the sea amplified the imminent vulnerability of our children and young people to the impacts of the climate and biodiversity collapse’.

Local grandmother of five, La Pethink, said: “I’m desperate when I think of the things to come and the thought of them going hungry”.

While 92-year-old local activist John Lynes said: “I feel anguish for children’s futures and it’s our generation that is to blame”.

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The shoes were donated by supporters of Extinction Rebellion who said they were terrified for their children’s futures.

Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards said it will be giving the donated shoes to a St Leonards charity to be distributed to local families.

An Extinction Rebellion representative said: “As the government moves towards ‘business-as-usual’ following lockdown, it has become clear that the general public desire a change of direction, with only 9 per cent of the population wanting to go back to the way things were before the pandemic, and 48 per cent agreeing that the government should respond with the same urgency to the climate and ecological crisis as the coronavirus crisis.

“Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards wish to thank Hastings Pier for their support.”