WORKERS making their way to Pembroke Power Station and Valero oil refinery were unable to get to work on Thursday morning (Sept 19) due to the actions of climate change protesters from Extinction Rebellion

Before dawn a handful of protesters laid on the only road to the sites, and joined themselves together with a ‘new design’ of concrete encased handcuffs.

As dawn broke the police arrived – as hundreds of vehicles, mostly belonging to refinery and power station workers, got caught up in a long tail back reaching nearly all the way back to Pembroke.

With a large banner saying “No future in fossil fuels” by their side, the protesters argued with police and security officers.

Once officer asked: “Who is going to pay for this shut down today, these workers just want to do their jobs to put clothes on their children’s backs.”

A protester replied: “Can I just remind you that we are not here for the refinery staff, ask yourself, who is going to pay for a second planet.”

On Facebook activist April Griefsong said: “Nonviolent direct action inspires some awkward and difficult dialogue.

“We are not here to have arguments or disrupt local lives – and it is still necessary and needed to take a stand for life.”

Another protester, Dan, from Llandeilo, said: “We take this action today because the government, big business and general populace are not moving away from fossil fuels fast enough.

“The government declared a climate emergency and has so far not committed beyond words. Everyone needs to act now before it is too late.

“We know that the future of the planet is at stake if we do not take action to stop the flow of oil. Tomorrow is a general strike to protest about the climate crisis and shutting down this refinery is part of that.

“It is time to work together to slow the tumorous growth of consumption. For the sake of all future generations and all life forms, we are acting now.”

Dan added: “We are ordinary people in Wales taking a stand, lying down. There is no future in fossil fuels.”

A police spokesman said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a group of people blocking entrances to the Valero Refinery in Pembroke at around 5.45am on Thursday, September 19.

“It has been established the group are Extinction Rebellion protesters.

“The protest is currently peaceful but is causing significant disruption to local traffic at the Valero site. No arrests have been made.

“Police officers are at the scene and working with partner agencies to minimise disruption to communities and ensure the safety of everyone involved.

“The right of free speech and protest is the right of everyone, however, officers will take necessary action against those who deliberately choose to act outside the law.

“For those who have to make journeys in the area, police advise you to avoid the area if possible or use alternative routes.”

A refinery spokesman played down the protest saying: “Valero can confirm that a peaceful protest is taking place on public roads on the approach to the refinery.

“The plant continues to operate in a safe and reliable manner without impact.”