Greenpeace activists in custody after scaling power station’s 75-metre chimney stacks
Greenpeace climbers scale two 75m-high chimney stacks at the UK’s second largest gas-fired power station, Staythorpe Power Station. Photo: GreenpeaceEIGHT Greenpeace activists remained in police custody today after scaling two 75m-high chimney stacks at England’s largest gas-fired power station.
The group climbed maintenance ladders at Staythorpe power station, owned by energy giant RWE, before unfurling a banner reading: “The Great Gas Rip-Off: Now on!”.
Monday’s protest aimed to draw attention to how the cost of the most expensive form of power, usually gas, still determines the price of electricity, which keeps bills high.
This is despite gas generating just 30 per cent of Britain’s electricity, Greenpeace says.
Britain spent an extra £90 billion on gas between 2021 and 2024, following price spikes triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to analysis by the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit.
Greenpeace warned that companies can earn huge profits when demand surges, citing an evening in January when two power station owners were paid at least £12 million to supply three hours of electricity following a spell of freezing weather.
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Article continues at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/greenpeace-activists-custody-after-scaling-power-stations-75-metre-chimney-stacks
Parliament blocks Declassified, citing our Gaza ‘standpoint’
https://www.declassifieduk.org/parliament-blocks-declassified-citing-our-gaza-standpoint
MPs condemn ‘sinister move’ to deny access to Declassified reporters.
Parliament has been accused of an “outrageous abuse” that is “worthy of the Trump White House”, after blocking Declassified from holding a media pass.
Internal emails reveal that officials cited our “in-depth investigations… from a particular standpoint”, when rejecting our application.
They also flagged a recent investigation we published that raised concerns over pro-Israel bias in Westminster.
This is despite parliamentary authorities having a duty to remain politically impartial. Guidelines say that passes should be granted with “fair access across a range of outlets”.
The decision to deny Declassified access has been criticised by politicians across the political spectrum, including Labour, the Green Party, Plaid Cymru, and the Independent Alliance.
Almost 500 journalists currently hold a pass, which provides unfettered access to Westminster and daily government briefings. They include many from right-wing outlets like Guido Fawkes and GB News.
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https://www.declassifieduk.org/parliament-blocks-declassified-citing-our-gaza-standpoint
Threatening to sack migrant nursing staff ‘abhorrent beyond words’, says Royal College of Nursing in response to Reform UK
Responding to Reform UK plans to scrap indefinite leave to remain for migrants, RCN General Secretary and Chief Executive Professor Nicola Ranger said “Threatening to sack thousands of migrant nursing staff is abhorrent beyond words. These are people who have come to the UK to care for patients and become part of our communities. They deserve so much better than this.
“The policy of retrospectively removing people’s rights in this way would be unprecedented, leaving migrant nursing staff unable to work or access welfare, despite having paid tax. It shows neither compassion nor an understanding of the fundamental role our brilliant migrant nursing staff play in health and care. Without them, services would simply cease to function.
“As the largest nursing union, we are deeply concerned by the increasingly hostile rhetoric shown towards migrants. We urge all political parties to end this race to the bottom and instead acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of those who come to the UK from overseas.”
