Ellie Ames 10 July 2024

Extinction Rebellion activists scale council office

Extinction Rebellion activists scale council office image
Image: XR

Campaigners climbed onto the roof of East Sussex County Hall yesterday to demand the authority stops investing its pension fund in fossil fuels.

A report last year found that around £28.2m of the East Sussex Pension Fund is in investments linked to fossil fuels.

East Sussex County Council, which declared a climate emergency in 2019, administers the fund.

Yesterday’s protest saw Extinction Rebellion (XR) South East join with campaign group Divest East Sussex to take non-violent direct action against the council for the first time.

XR said the move was a ‘significant escalation in a long series of protests against the council’s inaction in the face of the climate crisis’.

Divest East Sussex joint coordinator Gabriel Carlyle said: ‘We have written to councillors. We’ve asked to meet with them. We’ve peacefully protested again and again.

‘We’ve lobbied, we’ve pleaded, we’ve begged.

‘None of it has worked. So we’ve decided to be less polite.’

XR warned it would continue to take non-violent direction action against the council if it did not divest.

A spokesperson for the East Sussex Pension Fund said: ‘The exposure to oil companies through investment products is 0.4% of Fund value.

‘It has a strong focus on responsible investment in its stewardship of assets and takes climate risk and environmental, social and governance factors into account when investing, having removed fossil fuel companies from its equity allocation and reduced the exposure in other parts of the portfolio.’

A council spokesperson said flares let off by protesters illustrated why the cash-strapped local authority paid for security at some meetings, a decision for which it has been criticised.

To find out what local government stakeholders want from the new government, check out our guide, Transforming Local Government: A Strategic Guide for LabourDownload your complimentary copy now!

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner