A representative of the controversial Extinction Rebellion protest group will speak at a May Day meeting in Ramsgate.
They will speak about the urgent need to tackle climate change with the main theme of the meeting being the need to rebuild the economy of Thanet and east Kent — and green issues will be top of the agenda.
A spokesperson for the organisers said: “Asking Extinction Rebellion to speak is a reflection of how important the environment has become as an issue in everyone’s minds about the future of our area.”
Other speakers at the meeting will include MP Chris Williamson, who was suspended from the Labour Party earlier this year.
The organisers are expecting strong views and ideas to be expressed, but are hoping for fresh thinking on issues like health, housing, education and the local economy.
The spokesperson said: “For too long the economy of Thanet and east Kent has been left to stagnate, suffering from years of austerity, cuts and chronic poverty. We need a fresh start — one which puts the environment and the urgent need to combat climate change at its heart.
“In the past we’ve put too much hope in things like the airport, business parks and developers’ wild dreams. We need to look again at the real assets of our area, such as our beautiful beaches, cliffs, climate, fertile soil and talents of the people who live here, and explore how we can make those the centre of a new, greener economy.”
The organisers say everyone is welcome to put their ideas to the meeting. Their spokesperson said: “The future of our community is too important to be left to the politicians. We need a grassroots effort with everyone pooling their ideas and debating the best way forward. Come, ask questions, and say what you think.”
The meeting, sponsored by Momentum Thanet, will take place on Monday, May 6 at 7pm at the Oddfellows Hall, 142 High Street, Ramsgate. Admission is free. For more information ring 07989070843.
