Controversy Erupts Over Council Funding for Extinction Rebellion’s Climate Café

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Calls have intensified to halt council funding for a monthly "climate café" hosted by Extinction Rebellion (XR) in Bolton, sparking debate over public money being used to support the group’s activities. Conservative leaders in Bolton argue that council taxpayers should not have to finance the efforts of a pressure group known for its controversial environmental activism.

 

 

The café, held at the Albert Halls since September last year, is run by Extinction Rebellion’s Bolton branch and is open to all residents. Recently, the café received a £1,134 grant from the council’s Queens Park and Central ward area working budget, a fund managed by ward councillors to support community projects. The Saturday morning events have featured discussions and guest speakers on topics like food waste, fast fashion, and sustainable gardening.

 

 

Queens Park Labour councillor Richard Silvester praised the funding approval, highlighting that the café aims to educate the public about climate change and its effects on people, other species, and the environment. He described the group as “a good group of people” whose mission to reduce carbon emissions aligns with the council’s objectives. Extinction Rebellion Bolton emphasized that the café offers a relaxed atmosphere for residents to learn about climate and environmental issues.

 

However, at a council meeting on September 4, Conservative leader Martyn Cox criticized the funding decision, accusing the Labour group of using taxpayers’ money to support XR’s activities. Cox argued, “While campaigning groups have a right to pursue their aims, it is not the responsibility of council tax payers to fund their activities. We call on the Labour group to stop funding.”

 

In a statement earlier this year, Extinction Rebellion announced a shift away from disruptive direct actions, focusing instead on building relationships and prioritizing attendance at events. However, other environmental groups, such as Just Stop Oil, have continued with direct actions despite XR’s new approach.

 

Conservative councillor Anne Galloway also raised concerns about the funding, noting that while the grant met council criteria, Extinction Rebellion remains a controversial organization. Council leader Nick Peel defended the funding, stating that the climate café provides education on environmental issues and encourages residents to adopt greener behaviors. Peel acknowledged the complexities of funding such groups, noting, “There’s a fine line between what an organization is trying to achieve through education and whether that organization is political.”

 

Peel further pointed out that the council funds other community groups like Bolton Green Umbrella, which organizes environmental volunteer activities, and noted that many funded groups have agendas that could be seen as political or social. He warned against being overly critical of funding decisions, arguing that the café’s educational purpose was supported by ward councillors.

 

Peel also mentioned that Cllr Cox had previously attended an Extinction Rebellion-organized meeting as a guest speaker, highlighting that the group’s involvement in community education aligned with funding criteria. 

 

Vicki Attenborough, a representative of Extinction Rebellion Bolton, defended the café, stating that the sessions have been well received by the community. She highlighted that topics covered include active travel, upcycling, climate change, and waste reduction. Attenborough stressed the importance of such initiatives, particularly as climate concerns increasingly impact mental health, especially among young people. “The climate café provides a space for them to share thoughts and ideas as well as support their own resilience,” she said, adding that engaging in positive actions with others can help counteract climate anxiety.

 

As the debate continues, the row over the climate café funding reflects broader tensions about the role of public funding in supporting activism and community education, especially when it involves polarizing groups like Extinction Rebellion.

 

Credit: Bolton News 2024-09-11

 

 

 

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