Extinction Rebellion to stage demonstration on Hastings Pier

The demonstration was previously carried out at Trafalgar Square. Picture: Extinction Rebellion

At 11am on Saturday (July 11) the group will temporarily install 1,000 pairs of children's shoes to send a 'chilling reminder' that children and young people are most vulnerable to the climate and ecological emergency.

As lockdown rules ease, Extinction Rebellion has called on the Government to respond to these global crises with the 'same urgency as they have to coronavirus'.

Originally performed in Trafalgar Square (London) by Extinction Rebellion UK, the powerful event - named GONE - will be recreated on Hastings Pier, where the group says the 'proximity of the sea will amplify the imminent vulnerability of children and young people to the impacts of the climate and biodiversity collapse'.

Local grandmother of five, La Pethink, said: "I’m desperate when I think of the things to come and the thought of them going hungry."

Activist John Lynes, 92, added: "I feel anguish for children’s futures and it's our generation that is to blame."

The shoes have been donated by supporters of Extinction Rebellion who say they are terrified for their children’s futures. Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards will be giving the donated shoes to a St Leonards charity to be distributed to local families.

A group spokesman said: "As the government moves towards 'business-as-usual' following lockdown, it has become clear that the general public desire a change of direction, with only 9 per cent of the population wanting to go back to the way things were before the pandemic, and 48 per cent agreeing that the government should respond with the same urgency to the climate and ecological crisis as the coronavirus crisis.

"Extinction Rebellion Hastings and St Leonards wish to thank Hastings Pier for their support."