A number of climate protestors were removed from Olympia London yesterday (30 April) after interrupting several talks during the second edition of Innovation Zero.
On day one of the climate exhibition and conference, talks by Conservative MPs Jeremy Hunt, Liam Fox and Claire Coutinho were interrupted by shouting protestors, who appeared to be from campaign group Climate Resist, some of whom had to be carried out of the theatre.
Innovation Zero, supported by the UK government, also featured Shadow Secretary of State of Climate Change and Net Zero Ed Miliband, who referred to the event as ‘Glastonbury for energy nerds’ at the start of his speech.
Innovation Zero co-founder and CEO Paul Dunne told EN that the organisers had to find the right balance between allowing free speech and not letting chaos unfold inside the venue.
Dunne said: “Whilst we are a broad audience and welcome attendees from across the industry, including a number of climate activists who have taken part in our panels, discussions and main sessions, we do not allow key talks to be interrupted by individuals outside of the planned Q&A times.
“As organisers, we are willing to engage with protestors and do so, however if protestors are not engaging and choose instead to cause disruption, our trained security team are instructed to remove individuals in an appropriate and compassionate manner.
“We have also provided a dedicated area outside the venue to accommodate peaceful protesters.”
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