One of the consequences of the government’s rescue of the banks is that it is now public money, our money, that is backing hugely polluting schemes such as the building of coal fired power stations such as Kingsnorth. As we were reminded in one of a number of short speeches outside the RBS HQ in Bishopsgate, this power station will produce as much carbon dioxide on its own as the total industrial output from some countries.
The pension payout to its former boss Sir Fred Goodwin for bravely leading RBS into bankruptcy guaranteed that the action would have wide public support – and probably from most of the RBS staff too. But though most people would like to see Sir Fred stripped of pension and knighthood and locked up for life for his crimes (if not something more appropriately severe) this was an opportunity to remind people of his and the banking system’s crimes against the planet.
Although the Climate Rush at the RBS was something of a fun affair, like other events they have organised, its purpose is deeply serious, something that seems to be lost on some of the more dinosauric Indymedia armchair comment-makers.
Protests like this are successful because of the media interest they attract, which draws some public attention to the issues involved (if sometimes despite the efforts of mainstream reporters.)
It was also closely watched by many of the RBS employees, who cannot have failed to see the point of the protest which they were being entertained by. Many walked in past a very large banner saying ‘No New Coal Awards’ which was stretched out in front of the barriers around the whole entrance area which was full of security men and police. The same message appeared on sashes and on placards along with those opposed to airport expansion.
As well as the speeches there was some singing as well as music from a bike-hauled sound system and with some lively dancing. I was sorry that I had to rush off before the end as I wanted to support the office cleaners who were demonstrating outside the Willis building at the same time.
You can download your own copy of the poster that was distributed at the event – you can see one in the top image – for ‘Storm the Banks’ coming up on April 1st at the Bank of England from the G20 meltdown site; they are also available from Freedom Bookshop.
The G20 protest will starton 1 April at 11am with four carnival parades, each led by one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from a railway station – from Moorgate the Red horse against War, Liverpool St the Green horse against Climate chaos, London Bridge the Silver horse against Financial crimes and from Cannon Street the Black horse against land enclosures and borders and honouring the 360th full circle anniversary of the Diggers.
The carnival will converge on the Bank of England for ‘Storm the Banks‘ at 12 noon. And then at 1pm there’s the Climate Camp at the European Carbon Exchange at Hasilwood House in Bishopsgate. It should be an interesting day.
Oh yes, more on My London Diary.