64-year-old woman arrested as Extinction Rebellion activists halt traffic in Berkhamsted and Harpenden

The two activists were part of a nationwide “Rebellion of one” campaign inspired by Extinction Rebellion
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An Extinction Rebellion activist from Berkhamsted was arrested after blocking a road for the cause in Harpenden on Saturday, May 1.

At 11am, on Saturday, lone climate activists blocked roads in Harpenden and Berkhamsted to divert traffic and get their message of the climate crisis across.

Over 200 activists took part at the same time, on the same day. Extinction Rebellion is aiming to draw attention to the Government’s refusal to support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, drafted by climate experts, which it says would set a template for real, impactful, and immediate action.

Sue chose to sit in Leyton road in HarpendenSue chose to sit in Leyton road in Harpenden
Sue chose to sit in Leyton road in Harpenden

Sue Hampton, 64, a writer who lives in Berkhamsted chose to sit in Leyton Road in Harpenden. Her placard read 'I’m terrified that Government greenwash won’t protect the world’s children from climate change'.

She was arrested by Hertfordshire Police, and taken to Hatfield police station. She was charged and later released.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Police said: "A 64-year-old woman was arrested for her own safety and the safety of the general public, including motorists, just before 1pm on suspicion of obstructing a highway in Harpenden."

Sue said: “I am doing this because desperate times call for desperate measures. It is now clear that the Government has no intention of “Building back better”.

Molly sat in the middle of Berkhamsted High StreetMolly sat in the middle of Berkhamsted High Street
Molly sat in the middle of Berkhamsted High Street

"Quite the reverse – the Government are pumping twice as much money into road building, as into action on the climate.

"They are ignoring what the science is telling us – that we must take dramatic action now, to avoid total climate breakdown.”

Officers also spoke to a woman who briefly obstructed Berkhamsted High Street but moved to the side of the road when asked to do so.

Molly Berry, 69, sat in the middle of Berkhamsted High Street, with a placard round her neck reading 'I’m terrified there will be more pandemics because of the climate crisis'.

Molly who is profoundly deaf, lives in Tring and is a Lipreading Tutor.

She said: “I don't know what else to do. The Climate Crisis is far, far more frightening than the Government or media admit.

"But the government continues to pay lip service. They set hollow targets, and then pursue airport expansion, a new coal mine, and issue new oil and gas exploration licences for the North Sea.

"I felt a rush of certainty that as a Grandma I must show my love and fear for the world's grandchildren because governments are not protecting them. It's an act of sheer desperation."

The two activists were part of a nationwide “Rebellion of one” campaign inspired by Extinction Rebellion, that has impacted dozens of towns and cities across the UK.