Around the country, trade union branches participated in the launch of the Year of Action on climate agreed at Trades Union Congress in September.  A workplace day of action was called for Friday 14th November, and the next day union members joined with climate campaigners and activists on the streets to participate in a global day of protest for climate action while COP30 was taking place in Belem, Brazil.

Plymouth’s march started with around 150 heads but more joined, with some vocal opposition – “liars”, “f off” etc. A good presence of trade union banners (trades council, NEU, UNISON, PCS – plus Unite flags). The Summit had 100 people stay for 6 workshops over four hours, stalls from CCC, CND, TUC, SUTR, CND, Green Party, Food Plymouth, Plymouth Uni Students and others. Smaller than last year but a good mixing of issues and organisations. (Tony Staunton)

Manchester had a very successful demonstration, with a broad coalition of environmentalists, trade unionists, anti-racists, Palestine activists and so on, up to 400. The march was led by Parents for the Future and children with a banner. It was a very good atmosphere. Unfortunately, we were targeted by right-wing activists who were very aggressive and abusive. After the demonstration a group of protesters leaving the march were assaulted by a larger group of people from the far-right. Three of our protesters suffered injuries and all went to A&E to get checked out, one with slight concussion but everyone was able to go home. (Martin Empson)

Full story at Manchester Friends of the Earth here.

Portsmouth campaigners and activists gathered in the City Centre for a well-planned demonstration that included speeches, including from Portsmouth Trades Council, poetry recitals and songs from the Portsmouth Climate Choir. Not a march but a static event with some beautifully designed visual backdrops, a core group of around 60 was also in a position to speak to, or attract the attention of, local shoppers, including with a march to music around the fountain.

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