Portsmouth Extinction Rebellion campaigners' presence is felt in silent protest outside Guildhall over coronavirus recovery
A SILENT socially distanced protest saw environmental campaigners make their presence felt.
Extinction Rebellion Portsmouth congregated three metres apart outside Guildhall Square wearing masks and gloves to persuade the government not to revert to how things were before lockdown.
The protestors were asking the government for a citizens’ assembly to focus on the coronavirus recovery.
The pandemic indirectly boosted the environment with fewer cars on the roads whilst campaigners also believe it served to reinforce how the NHS has been underfunded - with them urging the government not to make the same mistake in the future.
Standing still silently whilst holding signs for an hour at lunchtime on Saturday, the 15 protestors made a roar in the heart of the city.
The protest was part of a nationwide event, which included protests London, Birmingham and Sheffield.
Co-ordinator Selma Heimedinger said: ‘We are at a crossroads now and our protest was about us making sure we don’t go back to how things were before lockdown.
‘Since lockdown there have been fewer cars on the roads and less pollution which has helped the environment. With the NHS, money was being put before people previously, until coronavirus.
‘We worry that things will go back to how they were - but things weren’t working before. I don’t think the government have done a good job after they eased lockdown too fast and have sent out confusing messages.
‘The pandemic was about saving lives to begin with and now seems to be about us not having enough money.’
Speaking of how the protest went, Selma added: ‘It went really well. Lots of people walked past and read the signs. We couldn’t talk but got a lot of attention.’
