Wednesday, 26 Jun 2024

Eco activists blockade Amazon on busiest day of year

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Extinction Rebellion members locked themselves to bamboo towers and scaffolding at 13 warehouses. The eco group claimed “Black Friday exploits people and planet”.

In Manchester, XR left items strewn along a lane near the airport to stop traffic.

Similar blockades began early yesterday at centres in Doncaster, Darlington, Derby, Newcastle, Peterborough, Coventry, Rugeley, Dartford, Bristol, Tilbury, Milton Keynes as well as in Dunfermline.

At least 30 people have been arrested in four of the locations, police have confirmed.

XR set up bamboo structures and “lock-ons”, while holding banners urging Amazon to cut its emissions.

Some activists wore masks of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and pitched tents on roads.The group said it planned to remain for at least 48 hours.

An XR spokesman said: “The action is intended to draw attention toAmazon’s exploitative and environmentally destructive business practices, disregard for workers’ rights in the name of company profits, as well as the wastefulness of Black Friday.”

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It accused Amazon of lobbying the US government to fight against climate legislation and “of greenwash” eco claims.

Amazon said it was working to minimise any disruption. It added: “At Amazon, we take our responsibilities very seriously.

“That includes our commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

“And providing excellent pay and benefits in a safe and modern work environment, and supporting the tens of thousands of British small businesses who sell on our store.”

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