At least eight XR Hackney members are facing the stressful and uncertain prospect of charges and court processes following their arrests during the April Rebellion and the Summer Uprising. A few of their stories and personal accounts are included below.

We now want to recognise their courage and stand in solidarity with them - we want to be there for each other financially and emotionally when it counts most as they're going through tough times.

XR have played a pivotal role in raising climate change and environmental breakdown to the top of the media and political agenda. Polls have shown that public concern is now at an all time high. We've seen a climate emergency declared by parliament, by many local councils and also by multiple professions and sectors. Many government departments and councils and now looking seriously at running citizens assemblies to formulate climate policy responses. XR have played a huge role in making all of this possible, and in turn the actions of our brave arrestees were an essential in that.

Many are now facing an expensive legal process, incurring fees and costs - money they don't have and even risking jail for their beliefs. It will make a massive difference to these people to know they are not alone but are supported by many thousands of us.

We aim to raise £8,000 (£1,000 each on average) to help them with legal costs. Individual claim amounts will vary and only receipted expenses can be claimed. Anything additional will help future XR defendants (e.g. in the October Rebellion).

Please help by:

1. Sharing this appeal via a personal mobile message email with friends

2. Posting it on your social networks

3. Contributing what you can. Every contribution is welcome, large or small.

Thank you so much for your support! Love & Rage Forever,

XR Hackney

Personal accounts from some of those arrested follow...

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Who am I? 

I grew up in Hackney and only just came back to the area this year. I currently work as a gardener. I'm moving to Helsinki to start a masters in forest ecology this autumn.

What was I arrested for?

I hadn't had anything to do with XR before the April actions. But I had spent the week at work sitting in the van stuck in traffic listening to my colleagues complaining about the protests. Meanwhile I was quietly thinking to myself that I ought to join in.

I went down to Waterloo bridge with a view to taking part, not getting arrested. But I found the sight of people giving themselves up to be arrested really moving and I couldn't think of a reason why others should take this on but I should not.

Why was I willing to do it?

I studied ecology at university and have always been both well informed and angry about environmental damage being done to our climate and earth. Yet for whatever reason I had never engaged with any activism or campaigning.

I was inspired by the effect the XR protests were having so it seemed to be about time that I got involved in something.

What situation am I facing now?

I have been charged with failing to disperse when directed by the police ('Section 14') and have been given a date for a hearing in mid-August. My main worry is that if I go to trial it will almost certainly effect my move to Finland.

Who am I?

I moved to London just over 2 years ago. I live in Hackney and work as an Architect.

What as I arrested for?

I've been concerned about climate change for years, but lately it seemed as though society had given-up and gone back to sleep. I was really inspired that XR were breaking through the silence, apathy and despair and so I decided to go along to the April Rebellion.

I was taking part in the peaceful occupation of Waterloo Bridge. It was Easter Weekend, a time of year that would usually be quite cold in the UK. As if the climate was out to prove our point, the weather was baking that day. I knew the authorities were looking to shut us down, but felt calm in the face of all this.

Extinction Rebellion stand on the right side of history and it's been encouraging to see the national conversation shift so much in just a few short months.

Why was I willing to be arrested?

The strategy of Extinction Rebellion relies on enough people being willing to risk arrest. Without this, the protests and occupations would be cleared very quickly and would not be sufficiently disruptive to have the transformational impact that is needed.

I was really inspired that so many ordinary people were willing to take this step. When we act en-mass as a movement, we can open up a new political space and societal transformation becomes possible. Climate change is a massive existential threat. If my arrest helps (even in some small way) to get this up the media and political agenda, then it feels like the right course of action.

What situation am I facing now?

I've been ordered to attend court. I'm preparing myself for a worst-case scenario; that I may be prosecuted, convicted, and receive a fine and a criminal record for my participation in non-violent civil disobedience. I'm may also face some kind of professional reprimand. For me though, any personal concerns about job prospects, travel restrictions or legal and financial ramifications, evaporate in light of the massive social and ecological catastrophe that we face.

Who am I?

I'm a Londoner and I have two children

What as I arrested for?

I was arrested at Marble Arch on the final day of the April action.

Why was I willing to be arrested?

l felt strongly that as one of the older generation I should be arrested in the place of younger activists.

What situation am I facing now?

Change is possible, the courts are a good place to ask for it. It won’t be quick and it won’t be easy. As a middle class white male I am most able to be there. For some it won’t be so affordable. So please help support them.