Extinction Rebellion Brighton Newsletter
16th October 2020

Brandalism…PLANNING CHAOS!

Last Thursday XR Brighton’s Truth Teller Team brandalised a billboard in Brighton to raise awareness about major changes to planning regulations that have been put forward by the government. You can see a thirty-second video of the action here.

The proposed changes to planning regulations will remove local planning safeguards, leading to poor quality housing that will exacerbate the climate and ecological crisis.

The government’s white paper on planning reform, titled “Planning for the Future” has been widely criticised by planning professionals, architects, NGOs, and environmental campaigners.

The activists are calling on the public to respond to the consultation on the proposals before October 29th by explaining to the government that the plans are not consistent with efforts to tackle climate change.

> Background information and consultation responses.

Further information:

Short video CPRE explaining the disastrous nature of the new proposals clearly
A BBC ‘Costing the Earth’ episode explains the damaging effects of the proposed changes
Wildlife Trust’s analysis of the consultation giving a good summary of why we should be concerned

Brandalised advert hoarding: don't be taken for a ride

Photo: Natasa Leoni

Oil Protests

The government is not listening to us and is failing to “build back greener”. One clear example of this is the approval of a planning permission for continuing the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure at Horse Hill allowed by the UK government and Surrey County Council (SCC).

During the last couple weeks XR Activists have protested against this expansion and the ongoing extraction of fossil fuels at the site.

Last Saturday two XR Rebels from Brighton and Uckfield occupied the drilling site at Horse Hill in Surrey. Both are fathers concerned about the future. “This small act will not reverse the carnage by itself, but it may add to the growing conviction among ordinary people that self-interest, avarice and destruction are not our natural condition.”

Office

A New Hub for XR Brighton

We're approaching the end of our lease at Surrey Street and, while it's been amazing to have that space for the last year, we're looking ahead to what's next and need your help!

WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW?

We'd love to hear from you if you have any:
- sturdy, stackable, waterproof boxes
- space in central Brighton to store the things we need most often
- time to help pack

WHAT ABOUT FINDING A NEW HOME?

We're on the lookout for a space to make our hub again—get in touch if you know somewhere! Keep an eye on the website and newsletter for more info on where to find us.

Get in touch if you can help at xrbrightonevents@gmail.com

Actions

Denham STOP HS2 Camp

Saturday 24th - Tuesday 27th October

As the temperatures drop and rainfall increases, XR Rebels are preparing to create a warm, dry communal space for the Denham STOP HS2 camp on the weekend of 25-27 October 2020.

Let's support them! There are many ways to help:

Please consider donating whatever you can afford before then to help raise the cash to hire a van and buy some essential building materials so that a winter sanctuary space can be built.
Support to get the winter shelter kit to the Denham protection site on Saturday 24th October. XR Rebels need support carrying pallets, food, metalwork, and tents to the site, and the site is half a mile from the carpark so everything will need moving in by hand or wheelbarrow. If you could join and help please be at Denham Court Drive Uxbridge, UB9 5PG at 11am. If you need to reach us on the Saturday call: 07540355456
If you have any old duvets, blankets or tarpaulins that can be used, please donate these to the Brighton XR office during our drop off sessions, and they will be transported up to the site. There is always a need for canned and dried vegan foods for the camp as well as bedding, wellies, and warm or waterproof clothing. The drop off sessions this week are from Monday to Friday from 11am-2pm.

Address: 39 Surrey Street, Brighton, BN1 3PB, United Kingdom. Use the XR doorbell to get in—the door faces Brighton station. If you would like to arrange a drop off please call the landline at these times to speak to a real live human: 01273 766627

Plant a tree!

Guerrilla Gardeners are looking for people who would like to plant a few organic native trees around their area of Brighton and commit to taking care of them during hot weather. A beautiful regenerative activity, open to anyone. They will guide you through the process and share your joy in their growth.

Please send your interest to Tom at xr_brightonactions@protonmail.com

Talks

Welcome to Extinction Rebellion

Tuesday 20th October 7-9pm

Stuck at home because of Covid? Want to do something that makes a difference to the biggest crisis humankind currently faces? Then join this introductory session where you can learn more about what Extinction Rebellion is, what we do, and how you can get involved.
> Details and registration

TED Circle: How to shift your mindset and choose your future

Wednesday 21st October 7:50-9pm

Join our next TED Circle! When it comes to big life problems, we often stand at a crossroads: either believe we're powerless against great change, or we rise to meet the challenge. In an urgent call to action, political strategist Tom Rivett-Carnac makes the case for adopting a mindset of "stubborn optimism" to confront climate change—or whatever crisis may come our way—and sustain the action needed to build a regenerative future. As he puts it: "Stubborn optimism can fill our lives with meaning and purpose."
> For more information
> Register

Meetings

XR Brighton General meeting

Tuesday 20th October, 7-9pm
Online (Zoom)

All welcome. This is a space for sharing, listening, feedback, and questions. Come and hear about the latest XR Brighton news, and learn how you can make a difference.
> Join on Zoom Passcode: 456681

XR Brighton Drop-In: Where do I fit in?

Come along to the XR Brighton office and talk to an experienced member of the group in an open and friendly chat. Find out where your skills can fit in and how you can make the best impact with your time and passion to fight the climate crisis.

Ring the doorbell (opposite the station) at The Brighton Eco Centre, 39-41 Surrey Street BN1 3PB. We will be there Mon to Fri next week 11am-2pm.

Please call ahead at 01273 766627 on the day of your visit as we are operating a one-in one-out Covid safe system.

Come and visit if you want to talk about anything to do with XR Brighton or pick up materials for an event you are planning. If you are new or old to XR we will be happy to chat and help where we can.

Further information

> Further details on all events
> XR Brighton Youtube Channel
> Facebook (@nepocide) for news and info
> Brighton Rebel Community Board Facebook for community chat
> Twitter
> Instagram

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