DEMONSTRATORS gathered outside West Berkshire Council offices yesterday to demand action on climate breakdown.

Around 40 people gathered on Market Street, Newbury, ahead of a debate on declaring a climate emergency.

Extinction Rebellion, Fridays for Future, West Berkshire Climate Action Network, and West Berkshire Green Exchange were all present at the demonstration.

Many of the demonstrators then went inside the council chamber to listen to the debate.

Christine Essex, from Extinction Rebellion, said: “We are hoping to present a persuasive visual impact. This is a non-violent, peaceful demonstration.

“The ultimate aim is to work together. It’s beyond politics, it’s about our future. We have to work as a community.

“One of the biggest problems is raising awareness. People don’t know how serious this is.”

West Berkshire Green Exchange held a conference last November and developed proposals and policies to move the district to zero carbon.

Almona Choudhury, vice chair of campaigns for the Green Liberal Democrats, said: “Extinction Rebellion make such a great impact. A lot of people got behind their protest in London. It works.

“I want the council to hear that we have grave concerns. Our presence is being felt. But it’s about the community as well.”

Demonstrators held up large banners as councillors walked into the meeting. Some played samba drums outside too, and walked into the council chamber playing the drums and chanting.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors did not declare a climate emergency yesterday, but instead voted to set up a cross party working group.

The group will likely bring a motion to a meeting of the full council on July 2 which will formally declare the council’s proposed response to the climate crisis.