A demonstration was held outside a York business this evening (Thursday).
Members of Global Justice York and Extinction Rebellion gathered in front on the Hiscox HQ on Peasholme Green as part of a global week of action organised by the Insure Our Future network.
The aim of the protest was to urge insurance firms, including Hiscox, to take meaningful steps to address the climate crisis.
One of the organisers Ginnie Shaw told YorkMix: “We’re pointing out the importance of insurance in fossil fuel projects.
“Without insurance, they can’t develop fuel and carry on.”
The protesters urged insurance companies worldwide to stop insuring fossil fuels, respect human rights, and support a just transition to renewable energy sources.
“Our objectives really are to raise awareness, and the reason we’re here in front of Hiscox is because they’re a major insurer of fossil fuel,” Ginnie said.
The activists unfurled a banner reading ‘Planet before profit’, gave speeches and handed out fliers to passers-by.
Although it was a peaceful protest, two youths threw an egg and can of Red Bull at those attending.
Both landed away from the demonstrators and nobody was hurt.
They carried on undeterred. “There’ll be protests happening all over the world this week,” Ginnie said. “We really think we can make a difference here.”
Further demonstrations are planned to take place across the UK this week, as the Insure Our Future group continues to urge for change.
In a statement in response to the protest, Hiscox said: “Like other insurers, we are working hard to support clients who are investing in the transition to net zero.
“Our exclusions policy outlines our intention to steadily reduce and eliminate by 2030 our underwriting and investment exposure to some of the worse emitters, and we are equally focused on supporting the growth of renewable and green technologies.”