PEMBROKESHIRE children quit the classroom and demonstrated outside County Hall on Friday, participating in the children’s climate strike.
Local activist Vicky Moller was on scene and sent us this report:
“The Children’s climate strike was like a step into a different future for Pembrokeshire. A Llarge crowd gathered outside the council offices, mostly children – armed with homemade banners and placards. It was such a great turn out!
“Plaid Councillor Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Welsh Language, came outside to address the crowd.
“No-one quite knew what was going to happen at the protest or who to be the first to ask questions. It was quite a surprise when he came over and joined the protest and led chanting in English and Welsh.
“Next Kristina Wray took over leading the demonstration. A very lively lady, she had brought a gang from Pembroke Dock calling themselves the Pembrokeshire Yellow Vest.
“Many were self-described ‘social services victims’, saying that they were all united with the children ‘because we all want the same thing.. A future for our children’.
“Then Cllr Tomos and a council officer called Clare Thomas invited a few of us in to have a meeting. But too many wanted to come in so it was decided to take us into the council chamber.
“The children filled it every seat For about an hour, the youngsters questioned the council – questions about topics such as cycle ways happiness and wellbeing, renewables, farming, carbon, planning, and democracy.
“Cllr Tomos answered in his colourful sing-song way, demonstrating that he knew lots about each topic, and its relevance to Pembrokeshire. He did not criticise the Council but he agreed three times to take things forward with different cabinet members (on homes and solar panels, cycle paths and the council changing to buying renewable power)
“He also arranged a next meeting with us and promised to make sure there were more cabinet members there to answer and to discuss what the council is doing.
At the end Soo Hutchinson led the protest through the streets of Haverfordwest – flanked by a giant green dragon with climate first written on it in tall letters.”
Vicky Moller added: “Anna Bean and the organisers should be proud of this inspirational unexpected young people take over of the corridors of power.”
