Greenpeace protester climbs on top of Conservative election campaign bus

In Nottinghamshire, a Greenpeace protester made a bold statement by climbing on top of the Conservative election campaign bus with a banner that read, "Clean power not Paddy Power." This action was part of a protest highlighting the Conservative government's alleged failure to deliver greener and fairer policies, according to Greenpeace spokesperson Paul Morozzo. The protest coincided with Home Secretary James Cleverly's visit to Sherwood Forest, where he was joined by farming minister Sir Mark Spencer, who criticized the protesters for arriving in a diesel van while he used an electric rechargeable vehicle. The protest also drew attention to the recent controversy surrounding election betting, with the Tories withdrawing support for candidates Craig Williams and Laura Saunders over alleged bets on the general election date. Labour's Kevin Craig, standing in Central Suffolk, was also suspended by his party. The Conservatives have pledged in their manifesto to triple offshore wind capacity and ban executive bonuses for water companies in breach of regulations. The protest aimed to urge voters to consider policies that prioritize clean energy, lower bills, energy security, and economic prosperity in the upcoming general election. Activist Amy Rugg-Easey, who climbed on the bus roof, expressed frustration with the government's handling of climate issues, stating, "Fourteen years of Conservative governments has left this country broken." She criticized Chancellor Rishi Sunak for backtracking on climate action and called on the public to vote for a better future by supporting climate-friendly policies. Greenpeace emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable for its environmental policies and urged voters not to support a party that they believe has failed to address the climate and nature crises effectively. The protest on the Conservative campaign bus was described as "legitimate and important" by Greenpeace, highlighting the group's determination to raise awareness about environmental issues during the election campaign. The demonstration aimed to challenge the government's track record on climate and nature policies, with activists calling for a shift towards greener and fairer initiatives. As the general election approaches, the clash between environmental activists and political parties underscores the growing importance of climate change in the public discourse and the need for robust policies to address environmental challenges.