Students to strike over climate change

Students across the country are expected to walk out from schools, colleges and universities today (15 February) over climate change.

The strikes have been organised by a coalition of different groups, including the UK Student Climate Network and the UK Youth Climate Coalition.

According to the organisers, protests will take place in more than 40 towns and cities around the country.

The strikes have been inspired by similar actions in Sweden, Australia and Belgium – which have featured education strikes attracting tens of thousands of people.

‘We’ve seen the last few decades go by, characterised by missed opportunities, and a lack of leadership on climate action,’ said Anna Taylor of UK Student Climate Network.

‘We’re running out of time for meaningful change, and that’s why we’re seeing young people around the world rising up to hold their governments to account on their dismal climate records,’ she added.

‘Unless we take positive action, the future’s looking bleak for those of us that have grown up in an era defined by climate change. We’ve had enough and we’re making sure our voice is heard. We’re ready to let politicians know we won’t accept anything less than a commitment to protect the planet for the good of everyone. We have a clear message for Theresa May: do not let the big polluters steal our future.’

The Liberal Democrat’s education spokesperson Layla Moran is set to join students protesting in Oxford today.

‘Time and time again we have seen the issue of climate change ignored, whether it be locally due to the ignorance of local councils who plough on with projects that will damage the environment, or the Tories’ shameful national record on climate change,’ said Ms Moran.

‘My message to the students across the country is this — I and the Lib Dems stand beside you. It’s time the whole country including all levels of Government saw climate change as the global and imminent crisis it is.’