MEMBERS of Extinction Rebellion Skipton and the Dales took part in a nationwide protest on Saturday calling on the Government to set up a ‘citizens assembly’ to work towards an improved, post coronavirus world.

The Craven group carried out their hour long, silent protest at midday outside Craven District Council’s offices in Broughton Road, while wearing face masks and maintaining three metres social distancing.

In common with other events across the country, including in Parliament Square, London, they were calling on a citizens assembly to jointly decide on a future post coronavirus world that would put people and the planet ahead of profit.

On its Facebook page, the group said: “ We are at a turning point in human history. The Government is driving a return to “normal” as quickly as possible. But “normal” is killing us.”

In addition to wearing masks and keeping three metres apart, everyone taking part in the Skipton protest was asked to either travel to the gathering alone, or in pairs, to get there on foot, or bike, and to avoid using public transport where possible.

They carried homemade signs saying: ‘people OR profit’, ‘look to the past OR plan for the future’, and also ‘new roads OR new bike lanes’.

Claire Stead of Extinction Rebellion Skipton and The Dales said: “ Going back to ‘normal’ isn’t a sustainable option, despite the pandemic having such a huge impact on our lives the risk of climate crisis is much bigger.

“We need our government and local councils to ensure that they are making the best choices for everyone and not just for the economy, it’s time for a regenerative plan that focuses more on people’s wellbeing and the planet and building more resilient communities.”

The group spokesperson added: “As well as exercising our bodies we also 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.”

Craven District Council declared a climate emergency last year, along with many other local authorities, such as Pendle Borough Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and pledged to what it could to slow climate change, including the planting of trees and the cutting down of single use plastic. It also said it would continue to engage with groups such as Extinction Rebellion.