Statement by Janet Finch-Saunders MS on Extinction Rebellion.

“As Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs I have declined to meet with the extremist and neo-fascist organisation Extinction Rebellion. Their actions in targeting a free press are beyond the bounds of acceptable political protest. 

“Their actions today are a dangerous example of hatred and intimidation which has no place in politics and I am also suggesting that all Welsh Conservative candidates for next year’s Welsh Parliament elections do not engage with them either. In doing so, I have the support of Paul Davies MS as leader of my party in the Welsh Parliament. He has met with them previously but will not do so again. 

“I am aware that the Welsh Government, including First Minister Mark Drakeford, has held three meetings with Extinction Rebellion. I will be requesting details of the attendees at previous meetings since I am aware that one of Extinction Rebellion’s organisers, Roger Hallam, is based in Wales and is on the record as calling for business people and governments to have ‘a bullet in the head.’ Hallam did not meet Paul Davies MS.

“The Welsh Government must follow the Welsh Conservative lead and break off all contact and engagement with Extinction Rebellion as an organisation committed to ending a free press, intimidating individuals, and threatening violence and death. The Extinction Rebellion movement needs to be de-legitimised and regarded as dangerous and criminal.”