Why are MPs so pathetically in thrall to Extinction Rebellion? This morning, while the world was focused on the Conservative leadership campaign six Commons select committees (Treasury, BEIS, Environmental Audit, Housing, Communities and Local Government, Science and Technology, and Transport) jointly launched a ‘Citizens’ Assembly’ on climate change.
If you think you have heard that term before, it was one of the central demands of the climate change activists who occupied Oxford Circus for two weeks in April. One by one, they seem to be having their demands met as if they were a conquering army as opposed to a ragbag of anti-capitalist protesters. They demanded that Parliament declare a ‘climate emergency’ – which it duly did on 1 May. They demanded that the government set a legally-binding target to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions – which Theresa May did, albeit only by 2050, not 2025 as they originally demanded. And now we’re to have a Citizens’ Assembly.
Is there any protest group which has been so indulged? Trouble is, of course, that these gestures will do nothing to please Extinction Rebellion, which, having sensed its power will be back for more.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in