Here's why protestors took to the streets in Salisbury today

Friday, 27 August 2021 01:00

Today, Extinction Rebellion Salisbury and Extinction Rebellion Wimborne took to the streets of Salisbury to protest the actions of Rockhopper Exploration, a Salisbury-based oil and gas production company.

The group congregated at the Market Place with banners, drums, and leaflets.

The protest comes as Rockhopper Exploration sue the Italian Government for banning oil drilling off the Adriatic coast.

In July, The Guardian reported that Rockhopper's project was met with protests from tens of thousands of people, and within two years, the Italian Government imposed a ban on oil and gas projects within 12 nautical miles of the Italian coast.

According to Extinction Rebellion, reports suggest the firm could be asking for as much as $275m in damages which it will then use to exploit an enormous oilfield off the coast of the Falklands.

After their protest in the Market Place, the group then marched up Castle Street to deliver a letter to Rockhopper, asking them to stop the damaging action.

Joanna Berry, the local coordinator for Extinction Rebellion said: "This is a complex subject and I would urge people to find out as much as they can about it. There's a fantastic article in the Guardian.

"Please write to your MP and please get involved with your local group, get involved with the environment or the climate emergency, for example through Extinction Rebellion because we are working to raise public awareness of the dangers we face as the human race facing the climate and ecological emergency".

Rockhopper Exploration has declined to comment.

More from Local News

Residents encouraged to join Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum

Wiltshire Council is encouraging its residents to join the Wiltshire and Swindon Countryside Access Forum (WSCAF) to share their views and advise the council on improving access to the countryside and on rights of ways matters.
Cabinet agrees new strategy to support children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

A plan that maps out how Wiltshire Council and partners will work with families, children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) for the next five years has been agreed.
Pommie Pilgrims walking all 42 cathedrals to take on Winchester to Salisbury

Pilgrims walking to all 42 Anglican Cathedrals are taking on the 26 miles between Winchester and Salisbury Cathedrals over the next two days, aiming to raise funds for their local church in Derbyshire.
Paddington is coming to Salisbury

Salisbury will see a Paddington bear statue arrive in the city centre as part of a trail being installed by film producers.
Police target night-time economy to tackle spiking

Wiltshire Police is increasing activity in the night-time economy as part of a national week of action to tackle spiking.
Visitors flock to Berwick St John Country Fayre

Thousands of visitors flocked to Berwick St John Country Fayre for a packed weekend of fun activities in aid of the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.
Be a Chorister for a Day returns to Salisbury Cathedral this October

On Saturday, October 12th, Salisbury Cathedral returns with the fun and free event Be a Chorister for a Day.
Salisbury fire station holds open day this Saturday

After the success of its open day over the last two years, Salisbury Fire Station is opening its doors to the local community again this weekend.