Extinction Rebellion protested outside Dacorum Borough Council on Saturday

Environmental protesters held a silent protest in Hemel Hempstead on Saturday, May 30, demanding a greener future after lockdown.

Extinction Rebellion Dacorum and Extinction Rebellion Tring stood outside The Forum from 12pm, asking the Government for a Citizens' Assembly to decide the future together during the Covid-19 recovery.

The protest took place in other areas of the country and was designed so that people were physically distanced at 3 metres apart, with everyone wearing masks in order to take part and stand silently for one hour.

Extinction Rebellion Dacorum and Extinction Rebellion Tring have emailed all councillors asking for a binding Citizens' Assembly to address the climate crisis urgently.

A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Dacorum said: “We are deeply aware of the tragedy of Covid-19, and of the tragedy of climate breakdown unfolding.

"As well as exercising our bodies we will exercise our right, under the human rights act, to protest.

"We protest safely for the future health and safety of our planet and generations of all life.

"Acting on the Climate and Ecological Emergency is essential and in this case, work we cannot do from home but can carry out safely outdoors, as per government guidance."

Speaking after Saturday's protest, a spokesperson for the group said: "It went well. We felt encouraged by the number of hoots, thumbs-up and words of support.

"One person called out of the car window, "Get a life!" which seemed ironic given that it's all life on earth we are trying to protect, but otherwise Hemel's response was supportive.

"No DBC Councillors have yet responded to our email asking them to support a legally binding Citizens' Assembly to decide together how to avert catastrophe."