Wigton woman travels to London for XR 'The Big One' demonstration

XR North Lakes have estimated that around 130 Cumbrians will be in the capital over the weekend as part of a protest, which some have said could see 50,000 demonstrating in the streets today Saturday, April 22.

XR have previously said that the streets will be transformed with People’s Pickets outside government departments and a diverse programme of speakers, performers and workshops, 'awash with colour and culture' over the weekend.

XR North Lakes member Louise Green, 57 from Wigton, works in construction. She has attended the weekend along with other members of the group, they will also be meeting members of the XR South Lakes group who have travelled down for the weekend of demonstrations.

XR picketed government buildings yesterday, with the Cumbrian contingent picketing the Department of Levelling Up building in protest to the West Cumbrian coal mine, after the departments secretary gave the go ahead for the new site.

Louise Green with other protestors in the capital (Image: Supplied)

She said:"From Cumbria's point of view we have had the flooding, we have seen the effects of climate change.

"It's really about raising awareness, trying to get more people to join and actually support the aims I suppose."

Talking about why she has attended the weekend Louise said: "I'm not massively optimistic to be honest (about change from government) but I don't think in 20 years I can sit there and say we knew what was coming down the tracks but we just couldn't be bothered.

"Whether it does anything or not at least I will be able to say I gave it a good bash. I haven't been down to London for 12 years so that shows how important this is to me personally."

Group leader for the Green Party on Cumberland Council Helen Davidson has also made the trip, saying her recent years in local government have shown a lack of willing from politicians to learn about climate issues.

XR protestors on the streets of London for the four day event. (Image: Supplied)

The councillor for Belah said: "The main reason I'm here is having got into politics, I'm witnessing more so how politicians are not willing to learn about the scale of the crisis we are facing. 

"I've had that battle over the past four years as a city councillor, where councillors wouldn't even get carbon literacy training which should be priority. Politicians base decisions on ideology more than science and facts. 

"The Conservative government is heading the completely the wrong way - we need to call on them to change. The more people to call on them the better - we need numbers.

"I feel it was really important to be down here bearing witness, I want urgent change," she said.