Extinction Rebellion Malvern stand in flood water to protest

Extinction Rebellion Malvern went knee-deep into the flood water at Worcester Bridge and on Hanley Road in Upton yesterday (Friday) to show that "business is not as usual".

The group had staged a scene showing workers in an office space and other protesters surrounding them, holding signs that read: "Extreme weather is already here. Government needs to act now."

Extinction Rebellion Malvern said extreme weather events are here in Worcestershire, and more needs to be done by the government to prevent its adverse effects.

Dr Johnny Birks, retired ecologist and campaigner, said: "It's a myth to think that climate change is far off and that we can delay action - the crisis has already started.

"The government report on managing the Severn River Basin is clear that floods are already deeper and more frequent, damaging homes, crops and livelihoods.

Extinction Rebellion Malvern in Upton. (Image: Extinction Rebellion Malvern)"If we carry on with business as usual, we'll all end up stuck in the river like the people in this picture.

"We all need to stand up and demand that our leaders stop dithering and take immediate action." 

Suzanne Savage, campaigner and operations director at an organic farm on the River Teme, said she has experienced flooding around her farm, and it's getting worse.

"The rate of extreme flooding in Worcester is now 6.5 times higher than last century," she added.

"Our weather used to be much more predictable, and that relative stability has allowed us to grow food reliably.

Protesters staged a scene on Hylton Road in Worcester. (Image: Extinction Rebellion Malvern)"This is no longer the case - we are now lurching between extremely dry and extremely wet weather every year, which will only get worse as the climate crisis deepens.

"We need leaders who are not afraid to tell the truth of the crisis and to forge a path which secures a sustainable future." 

Robin Walker, Worcester MP, said the government has been helping those most affected by the Worcester floods with financial relief and has invested in the city's flood defences.

MP Robin Walker in the Worcester floods. (Image: Robin Walker)He said flooding is getting worse due to climate change, and the government is committed to its net zeros plan.

He added: "There has been a lot of investment in flooding in the city, but we need to tackle climate change and the need to reach net zero, which all parties are committed to. 

"We all have our debates on how we would like to get there, but we have passed legislation to make sure we get to net zero and it is important that we carry on making progress on that."