Extinction Rebellion to protest against Drax in York

Extinction Rebellion York (XR York) has announced that they will be protesting against Drax power station tomorrow, August 31.

The theatrical protest - which starts at 1.30pm - is against Drax's controversial BECCS (biomass energy with carbon capture and storage) scheme.

The CEO of Drax, Will Gardner, previously said that BECCS is "the only credible large-scale technology that can generate renewable power and deliver carbon removals".

XR York also said the protest follows the 22 arrests made by North Yorkshire Police in connection with a protest at the power station in Selby.

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"The comedic and theatrical performance will ridicule government subsidies for biomass despite its high carbon emissions and environmental justice problems," an XR spokesperson said.

"Demonstrators will pose as charity collectors seeking donations from the public to fund the burning of trees, highlighting that taxpayers already do this."

The group said they are sending open letters net zero secretary Ed Miliband, and to local MPs.

They added: "Ending these subsidies would bring a halt to the government’s sponsorship of environmental injustice and save the taxpayer money on their energy bills."