Dear John
Four XR UK volunteers were arrested this morning at our London Art Factory, ahead of our 'Free the Press' action this weekend.
The women were found in the presence of suspicious looking pink wheelbarrows, wielding paint brushes, caught in the act of creating banners in readiness for Sunday's peaceful protest (pssst, Priti - it's legal, you know...).
We're not surprised that the authorities are looking out for their billionaire media friends. After all, no one since 1979 has won a general election in the UK without the backing of Rupert Murdoch. When XR UK blockaded Murdoch's printworks in September 2020, Priti Patel stepped in to request 'early intervention' by the police - action that is now being examined in the courts.
We won't be deterred from standing up for our right to protest, or from shining a light on the misinformation, manipulation and division pedalled by the billionaire press (and protected by the Government) for financial gain - at the cost of the planet.
Join us on the streets this Sunday, or donate to help us replace confiscated items!
The police have form when it comes to XR's pink paraphernalia: you may remember that on the eve of our 2019 Rebellion they confiscated, among other items, our collection of pink pillows. That raid triggered a huge outpouring of support from the public, so perhaps they're doing us a favour...
Love and rage,
The Extinction Rebellion crew
(P.S. if you're joining us on Sunday, wear pink 😉)
