Extinction Rebellion is staging Black Friday protests outside a number of Amazon warehouses today.
The ‘Black Friday’ blockade – which is reported to have been taking place since 5am today – is part of an international action by the global environmental movement that is targeting 15 Amazon fulfilment centres throughout the UK, US, Germany and the Netherlands.
The climate change action group says that people from all across the country are taking part in the demonstrations, with 13 blockades in Doncaster, Darlington, Newcastle, Manchester, Peterborough, Derby, Coventry, Rugeley, Dartford, Bristol, Tilbury, Milton Keynes and Dunfermline.
“These sites account for just over 50% of Amazon deliveries in the UK,” Extinction Rebellion said.
The Manchester protesters are stationed outside Amazon’s Altrincham base, which has resulted in Sunbank Lane near Manchester Airport being closed in both directions from Wilmslow Road to Ridge Avenue, and Greater Manchester Police urging drivers to find alternative routes as the traffic continues to build up.
The statement continues: “The action is taking place on Black Friday in order to confront the exploitative and environmentally destructive business practices of one of the world’s largest companies. Amazon is known for a long list of widely recognised crimes – from tax avoidance to the exploitation of workers, to rampant wastefulness and ecological destruction – while making its founder and largest shareholder Jeff Bezos one of the richest men on earth.
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“The action aims to expose Amazon’s crimes, while holding it up as an example of the wider economic system, which is designed to keep us hooked on buying things we don’t need, at a price the planet cannot afford.”
The Manchester group is blocking the road using bamboo structures, lock-ons, and banners with the words “MAKE AMAZON PAY” and “INFINITE GROWTH, FINITE PLANET” on them.
The demonstrations are aimed at highlighting Amazon’s “crimes” on the “major discount day” / Credit: Extinction Rebellion UK
They say they intend to stay for at least 48 hours.
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“Amazon claims to care about its customers,” the Extinction Rebellion statement continues, “but the reality is it’s trapping them in a web of toxic consumerism, exploiting the planet and the people who work for them [and] if we don’t address the obsession with unlimited growth, we will not address the ecological crisis.
“With new warehouses popping up every month, taking action against Amazon has become an absolute necessity,” ex Amazon employee and current Extinction Rebellion protestor concludes.
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
26th November 2021 
