A COALITION of "red, green and black" activists blockaded the London offices of Ed Miliband in a show of solidarity for the Vestas occupation.
The Whitehall activists, holding placards saying "take back the wind power" and wearing red, green and black as a symbol of their diverse political viewpoints, glued themselves in a chain across the entrance of the Department for Energy and Climate Change this morning. (Monday)
The group of seven activists spent two hours stuck together outside the Department of Energy and Climate Change. After they were freed by a paramedic they were arrested by police on suspicion of aggravated trespass.
They demanded that the factory be kept open, supporting workers who have occupied the Newport blademaking plant since July 20.
They want the 625 jobs saved through nationalisation or worker control.
The Whitehall blockade is said to mark the development of a new alliance between socialist and other environmental campaigners.
Co-ordinator of the support network, Sophie Lewis, said: This is not the first time the world has seen an alliance between politically distinct groups under the banner of fighting climate activism.
"But Save Vestas is a narrative so potent that thousands nationally and internationally are rallying around it. Miliband must show real leadership on this one."
The action comes the day before the Vestas management makes another attempt to obtain an injunction to evict the workers.
Molly Grayson, one of the activists glued on, said: "Closing down the UK’s only wind turbine factory is an act of madness at a time like this. Climate change has to be tackled and in a recession green jobs should be the last to go.
"This is an issue which is so pressing that ordinary people of all political leanings are prepared to get arrested for it. I’m here today to show up Ed Miliband’s hypocrisy in promising a green revolution but falling flat at the first hurdle."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk