Month: February 2022

A crowd of people listen to a speaker. Many are wearing bright pink hats.
Feature, news, Strike

Emotions Rise as University Strikes Continue Into Third Week

The mood was heavy amongst striking staff at the University of Bristol this morning, and even the bright pink woolly hats adorning the heads of the crowd failed to lighten it.  Anger continues to boil as strikes enter their third week in protest against proposed pension cuts of 35% as well as staff workloads, pay and pay equality, and the extensive use of precarious and … Continue reading Emotions Rise as University Strikes Continue Into Third Week

James Ward3 Comments
A banner reads "Support the UCU occupation " whilst behind is a banner for the UCU.
news, Occupation, Top Story

Students Occupy University of Bristol

Read an update on this story here. University of Bristol students are occupying the main hall of the Wills Memorial building in solidarity with striking staff.  At 8am this morning (Monday, February 28) 12 students entered the great hall of the University’s main ceremonial building on Park Street and swiftly barricaded themselves inside using tables and chairs.  University security called police who arrived but left … Continue reading Students Occupy University of Bristol

James Ward1 Comment
Billboard shows a pair of glasses superimposed on an image of a beach. Around the glasses the beach is covered in plastic waste; through the lenses of the glasses the beach is pristine.
Artistic, Fly-postering, news, Subvertising, Top Story

Campaign Launched to Fight Climate Hypocrisy

Targeting businesses and government for climate hypocrisy, XR Bristol yesterday launched their latest campaign, Greenwash-free Bristol.  The campaign, whose name refers to the practice of businesses and governments portraying themselves as caring for the planet whilst knowingly destroying it uses billboard advertisements, performances and other actions to expose those organisations which XR claim are the worst greenwashing offenders in the city. Dr Claire Gronow, a … Continue reading Campaign Launched to Fight Climate Hypocrisy

James Ward2 Comments
Demonstration, news, Petition

SOS NHS: Health Workers to Protest for Emergency Funds

CORRECTION: an earlier version of this article stated that a protest would happen outside the BRI from 11am. This has now been cancelled and the article updated accordingly. NHS staff will protest in central Bristol this weekend as they seek emergency government funding to safeguard patients and staff in NHS hospitals hit by cuts and underfunding. From 12pm this Saturday, February 26, demonstrators will gather … Continue reading SOS NHS: Health Workers to Protest for Emergency Funds

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Demonstration, news

Trade Unions Protest Cuts in Council Budget

As councillors exchanged political blows inside City Hall over this year’s budget, trade unions gathered outside the building to protest the proposed cuts to services and union support.  The budget proposed by the Labour administration, and voted on today (Tuesday, February 15) attempts to balance the budget by cutting £19.5mn from services across the council.  Areas set to see cuts include 30-minute free parking, South … Continue reading Trade Unions Protest Cuts in Council Budget

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A group of people dressed as airport landing crew and wearing fake moustaches.
Demonstration, Feature, news, Top Story, Vigil

Super Saturday Roundup 12/02/22

Saturday, February 12, saw a Super Saturday of protests for Bristol with six demos, some large, some small, happening across the city centre.  Anyone would have been pushed to make it to all six (this intrepid reporter had to jog on more than one occasion during the day!). But if you missed out, below is a round up of all the action, and a look … Continue reading Super Saturday Roundup 12/02/22

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Four activists hold a banner reading "Youth Climate Swarm"
Civil Disobedience, Disruption, news, Roads, Top Story

Youth Climate Swarm Return For More Daring Disruption

Returning for a second round of road blocking, Youth Climate Swarm yesterday demonstrated that they are growing in strength and in nerve.  The group first took action in Bristol in January when around 40 activists used swarming, blocking roads for intervals of seven minutes, on a number of minor roads around the city centre.  Yesterday (Saturday, February 12) a slightly larger group, joined by a … Continue reading Youth Climate Swarm Return For More Daring Disruption

James Ward2 Comments
Demonstration, news

Resistance Grows Against Borders Bill

Bristol’s continuing resistance to the Borders and Nationality Bill currently making its way through the Parliament was shown yesterday (Saturday, February 12) as Together With Refugees hosted their third demo since July last year at The Fountain Steps.  Demonstrators held orange hearts, bright against the drab February sky, showing their support for Together With Refugees’ Show Your Heart campaign. Earlier in the demo, live music … Continue reading Resistance Grows Against Borders Bill

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Banner reads "no airport expansion'
Demonstration, news, Top Story

‘A Kick in the Teeth for Local Democracy’: Bristol Airport Expansion Slammed at Rally

The decision to expand Bristol Airport was condemned by politicians, campaigners and the public at a rally attended by around 200 people on College Green today (Saturday, February 12). Following a 36-day public inquiry last year, last Wednesday three inspectors granted the airport’s appeal against a 2020 decision by North Somerset Council to refuse planning permission.  From 11am today, speakers including West of England mayor … Continue reading ‘A Kick in the Teeth for Local Democracy’: Bristol Airport Expansion Slammed at Rally

James Ward10 Comments