Extinction Rebellion protesters who chained themselves to a bank have pleaded not guilty to aggravated trespass.
Nicola Harries, Jonathan Kennedy, Sue Williams and Ian McIntyre appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court after protesting outside Barclays Bank in North Street on November 14, 2022.
The Extinction Rebellion activists chained themselves to the bank calling on them to divert money away from oil and gas extraction.
The group will face trial in the new year.
In a statement outside of court, Harries, 67, a retired solicitor, said: “I cannot stand by while future generations across the globe face a life of extreme weather conditions and all the misery and destruction that will bring.
“Barclays has a moral obligation to break free and refuse to fund any new oil or gas exploitation. The bank must act now.”
XR protesters gathered outside the court to support the group as a samba band could be heard from within the courtroom.
The band gathered outside the court entrance to show solidarity with the quartet as they entered their pleas.
Williams, 67, a retired teacher, added: “I'm increasingly terrified about the climate emergency. We must stop new oil and gas extraction.
“We know its effect on the climate. Barclays Bank is fully aware of the appalling damage fossil fuels are doing to the planet.”
At the protest earlier this year, customers were stepping over the protesters in order to use the bank, while some were forced to use the side entrance.
Police eventually unchained the protesters and arrested them on suspicion of aggravated trespass.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police attended a protest being held outside a business in North Street, Brighton, at around 1.15pm on Monday, November 14.
“Officers engaged with those present and the business in order to facilitate a peaceful protest and minimise disruption to the public.
“Four people have been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and taken into custody.”
Barclays said that it does not comment on protests but added: “We are determined to play our part in addressing the urgent and complex challenge of climate change.”
The trial will now take place on April 24, 2023.
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