York P&P demonstrate at NatWest
On Saturday 1 March, students from York University People & Planet held a demonstration outside the NatWest bank in York to protest against the funding of fossil fuel projects.
York P&P students protest at NatWest branch
The group of students spent three hours outside the NatWest branch, talking to both staff and customers, and handing out over 500 leaflets. They were also confronted by several police officers who wanted to know the reason for the protest.
NatWest is one of the companies within the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, which funds fossil fuel projects around the world. Those involved in the People & Planet protest said that the reason for their objection was the potential harm this could cause both environment and people through climate change.
Although NatWest is only one of many companies within the RBS group, the fact that many students hold bank accounts with them was the reason given for focusing the protest on them specifically.
Former York University People & Planet Chair, Robyn Heather said:
As an account holder at NatWest, I feel I have a right to express my distaste at their investments into oil extraction. Even for those who don’t hold accounts with them, we still have the right to say where the government’s money is now going.
Take action
Email RBS-NatWest CEO Stephen Hester and Government Ministers Ed Miliband and Alistair Darling to call for a transition to sustainable energy investments.
Take part in Fossil and Financial Fools Day on 1 April 2009, to call on RBS-NatWest to end fossil fuel investments.
Lobby your MP to sign EDM 880: RBS and Climate Change
Check out the Ditch Dirty Development action guide for loads more action ideas.
