This is the post action press release by Extinction Rebellion.

Extinction Rebellion and Stop HS2 activists blocked the largest High Speed 2 work site from 7am until dusk on Friday 9th October.

Activists entered the Chiltern Tunnel compound at West Hyde Hertfordshire and let off flares, above the tunnel face that will be breached by the £16m tunnel boring machines in early 2021 if this project is not stopped. They were witnessed by the Red Rebel Brigade, a poignant reminder in red of what we have lost and stand to lose if this crisis continues unchecked.

Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister said, ‘Extinction is forever… we must act now’ but he continues to support the over £100bn vanity project that will impact on 108 ancient woodlands and deforest a vast corridor through the heart of the country. Extinction Rebellion asks Mr Johnson to tell the truth and to act now on his recent promises to the UN Summit on Biodiversity where he committed to remove deforestation from our supply chains. They urge the Prime Minister and his cabinet to listen to the recent Climate Assembly and the unequivocal warnings by Prince William and Sir David Attenborough who has said, ‘We must halt all deforestation immediately’.

At dawn, activists mounted five 8m high bamboo structures placed in front of site entrances and effectively stopped traffic in and out of the tunnel site and concrete works until Hertfordshire Police began removing them in the early afternoon. The structures have been suggested as contenders for the Stirling Prize in architecture after their use outside printworks owned by Rupert Murdoch last month.

Rob Callender, Spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion said after the action “We must think deeply about the law, how it is used and whether it is just and right. We must bear in mind that deforestation of the amazon and the removal of indigenous people from their lands happens when it is made legal. Everyone here today acted from a place of innocence and will continue to do so as long acts of deforestation like these are endorsed by our Government and others and enshrined in law.”

Activists pledge that they will not stop until HS2 is halted.
More than 20 activists were arrested and there continues to be a constant resistance against HS2 in Hillingdon, Kenilworth, Lichfield and Euston.

For a full run down of the day including actions that happened at sister sites in Euston, Cubbington and Lichfield you can see the live stream broadcast on Extinction Rebellion UK facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=344588763426215

If you’d like to get more involved in the stand against HS2 here’s one very easy way you can help from home:

The future of HS2 is already a contentious issue in Westminster, but we need your help to make sure the debate happens. #ExtinctionIsForever and it’s time to #ActNow to #StopHS2 before it’s too late. Transport questions are raised in the House on 22nd October, ask your MP to support an adjournment debate on HS2.

Make sure your MP doesn’t stand by in the face of the High Speed Rail Link to Climate Catastrophe, you can find their contact details at www.writetothem.com.

#ExtinctionIsForever #ActNow #ProtectBiodiversity #BorisKeepYourPromise #StopHS2 #PledgeForNature