We are a collection of people from many different groups who embrace a diversity of tactics. We have come together to shut down this power station and intend to stay at least 5 days.

Our aims are to halt the construction of a controversial new power station, which represents the start of a new dash for gas. This action is in defence of the global commons, which are under sustained attack by polluting fossil fuel companies. We are here to challenge corporate power and the rush to further ingrain an energy system that puts short term profits of the few, above the collective need of the many.

Individually we are all pursuing these aims through a variety of different avenues – but as the decision to adopt yet another fossil fuel to replace coal as the backbone to our energy system draws closer, we have felt the need to take direct action and stand in the way of this dangerous operation.

We’re doing this action because we believe that in some instances the stakes are so high that it is necessary to work outside of a legal framework which is failing to deal with the issue at hand. The relentless pursuit of gas by politicians and CEOs as a way of dealing with the energy crisis despite the very real and increasingly severe threats of climate change and widespread fuel poverty is one such issue.

Our actions in shutting down West Burton power station are part of a long history of direct action - a narrative that stretches back several centuries, continuing to the present day, of people coming together to stand up for what they believe in regardless of what those in power might do to them.

We’ve been inspired by the major role that direct action has played in some of the greatest struggles for social change – from the suffragettes, to the civil rights and anti-apartheid movements. More recently, it has been a key factor in some of the big environmental decisions of the past few years. The move away from new investment in coal after the government shelved plans for a second coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth, and the decision to ditch the third runway at Heathrow both came after sustained campaigns of direct action.

We believe that another future is possible – a future different to the path we’re currently treading; one that puts the needs of people and the environment ahead of big corporations and profit. History has shown us time and time again the need to go beyond the law when it is failing the people it is meant to protect.