In London, thousands of people demonstrated for the protection of nature and the climate

A vast mobilization organized at the call of numerous environmental organizations, including the Extinction Rebellion (XR) movement and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): thousands of people participated, Saturday June 22 in London, in a large march to to call on their elected representatives to act to protect nature and the climate, less than two weeks before the early legislative elections in the United Kingdom.

The very colorful stroll set off east from Hyde Park to reach the ministerial district and took place in a good-natured atmosphere – many animal disguises could be seen. Protesters flocked from all over the UK to take part. “There is no life without wildlife”, “There is no button to start from scratch”could we read on the signs, reports Agence France-Presse.

British actress Emma Thompson and British naturalist and presenter Chris Packham took their places at the head of the procession, calling for “restore nature now” – slogan of the march. According to Mr. Packham, this is the first time that organizations as different as the National Trust, which defends British heritage, and Just Stop Oil, a climate defense movement with controversial punch actions, have united for a demonstration.

Actress Emma Thompson in support of activists

“Stop being so deeply irresponsible!” »declared Emma Thompson in particular, addressing political representatives. “I can’t believe their lack of commitment” for the climate, during this campaign for the general elections, again criticized the actress, a long-time environmental activist. Before adding: “We are in the heart of the storm (…) and I’m amazed at how much denial still exists. »

She explained that she supported the group Just Stop Oil, two of whose activists sprayed paint on the monoliths of the famous English prehistoric site of Stonehenge on Wednesday. “I think I support everyone who is leading this extraordinary fight”said Emma Thompson, believing that “we can no longer extract oil from the ground” – Just Stop Oil calls for an end to the exploitation of fossil fuels by 2030.

Chris Packham explained that he was “not very impressed with the content of the programs” of the different British political parties for these elections with regard to the fight against global warming. “When it comes to tackling the real big issues, there is no substance, commitment or determination to tackle them. And it’s really disappointing.”he criticized.

During the early legislative vote called on Thursday July 4 in the United Kingdom, Labor is widely favored, according to polls, which predict, on the other hand, a heavy defeat for the Conservatives, in power for fourteen years.