Extinction Rebellion in second day of protest at open cast mine site

Around 50 Extinction Rebellion protesters have got on to an open cast mine site to shut down work for a second day.

They scaled fences at the Banks Group’s Bradley site in County Durham at around 8am on Thursday, despite the presence of security guards with dogs.

Protester Paul Shepherd, a 66-year-old retired GP, said the first moments of the occupation were “scary”.

He said they made it clear they would not attempt to damage any of the site’s heavy plant equipment and their intention is only to occupy the site to shut down work.

Dr Shepherd, from nearby Lanchester, said they had stated their intentions to security guards and on that basis, the dogs had not been released on them.

He said: “Our aim is to highlight the continued use of these fossil fuels and to stimulate conversation about how it is so important to make change.

“There are lots of reasons to maintain the status quo but science shows we have to change rapidly in order to prevent catastrophic climate change.

“There are lot of highly motivated people here from all walks of life.

“We hope Banks shareholders sell their shares or put pressure on the management to divest from coal.

“Money does speak.”

On Wednesday, Extinction Rebellion campaigners blocked access to the site, with some protesters dressed as canaries sitting in cages at the mine entrance.

They stated their opposition to Banks’ planning application to expand the site.

The Banks mining company responded to the protest on Wednesday by saying coal is necessary for the steel and cement industries, and if it is not produced in Britain even more would be brought in from Australia or Russia.

Mark Dowdall from the company branded the campaigners “privileged” and “ill-informed”.