Extinction Rebellion campaign against Perenco at Poole Quay

Extinction Rebellion (XR) campaigners gathered at Poole Quay on Sunday afternoon, June 11, to voice their opinions on Perenco.

Using megaphones, drums, banners and plaques, the group called for the company’s operating permits and licence to be revoked.

It is the third time XR has protested against Perenco following the Poole Harbour oil spill on March 26.

As reported, a major incident was declared in the harbour after around 200 barrels of reservoir fluid was released into the water column.

The spill, which was 15 per cent oil, came from a pipeline at Wytch Farm- a site operated by Perenco.

The harbour was closed to members of the public and the fishing community following the incident while a major clean-up took place. 

The protest at Poole Quay (Image: NQ)

Joanna Bury, a member of XR Wimborne, said the company shouldn’t be allowed to go “under the radar” following the incident.

She said: “This is very serious for Poole Harbour.

“The government sees the harbour as one of the most precious things in our country and yet it is not protected by the likes of Perenco.”

Joanna is part of an XR group called ‘Pink Rebels’, where each member protests wearing a pink hazmat suit. 

They share the belief Perenco is responsible for a number of other pollution events in addition to the oil spill.

The Pink Rebels also hope to highlight a "bigger issue" over the fossil fuel industry, which they say is "destructive".

XR protesters Sky and Ben (Image: NQ)

Joanna said: “It’s so important that we raise awareness around what Perenco are doing, not only in this country, but all over the world.

“We cannot let them get away with this.”

A number of members of the public stopped to watch the protests, and some took away leaflets about XR’s work.

Joanna added: “It’s great that people are coming to hear us, and the pubic are becoming aware of it.

“People need to know what this dreadful company is doing locally."