'Devil-masked' campaigners are set to protest against the Ineos sponsorship of the UK, former Team SKY, cycling team during Stage 8 of Tour of Britain which hits Greater Manchester this Saturday 14th September.
Ineos currently holds the licence for fracking in Salford, which includes the controversial Barton Moss site, scene of huge protests a few years ago. Protesters will wear devil masks with the counterfeit of the owner of Ineos, controversial billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, to highlight the "true face" of the Team Ineos sponsor.
They plan to express their opposition during the race from the start in Altrincham to the finish in central Manchester, and as the cyclists go through Salford.
"The protest will be peaceful and respectful of cycling fans, indeed many of those taking part will themselves be cycling enthusiasts: however with their voices, banners and placards activists will demonstrate their opposition to this transparent attempt by Ineos to 'greenwash' it's environment-damaging and climate-threatening industries" states Frack Free Greater Manchester, which is organising the protests with #breakfreefreefromplastic
The Stage 8 route of Cycling Tour of Britain hits Salford during Salford City Council's Big Day Out at the Civic Centre in Swinton, and despite its declaration of a Climate Emergency recently, is encouraging people to "cheer the racers on" as the tour 'zooms past' between 1:30pm and 4:30pm.
"To reduce our carbon emissions fossil fuels need to be left in the ground" says Allan Challenger from Frack Free Greater Manchester "Due to its detrimental local health impacts, persistent triggering of seismic events and climate-busting methane emissions fracking is especially toxic and should be banned in the UK as it has been in other countries."
Andy Gheorghiu, policy advisor and campaigner for Food and Water Europe, adds: "Ineos relies on climate hostile fracked gas to produce more cheap virgin plastic. This company plays an active role in increasing the climate and plastic pollution crisis and it shouldn't be allowed to greenwash its business model with the sponsorship of sports teams."
For a background see previous Salford Star article: Salford Council Urged To Get A Backbone Over Fracking - click here
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