More than 30 people have been arrested after climate change activists blocked UK Amazon warehouses on Black Friday, the retailer's busiest day of the year. Extinction Rebellion targeted 13 sites, including Amazon's largest distribution centre in Dunfermline, Fife, drawing attention to alleged exploitation of workers and wasteful business practices.
The campaign group said they blocked multiple entrances using bamboo structures, lock-ons, and banners, intending to remain for at least 48 hours. However, several blockades were cleared by mid-afternoon. The demonstrations began at 04:00 GMT in Dunfermline, where about 20 activists stopped lorries from entering or leaving the site.
A spokesman for Extinction Rebellion said: 'The action is intended to draw attention to Amazon's exploitative and environmentally destructive business practices, disregard for workers' rights in the name of company profits, as well as the wastefulness of Black Friday.' Protesters also highlighted Amazon's use of tax loopholes and destruction of unsold products.
Among those affected, haulage firm J R Dixon said one of its drivers was unable to leave the depot in Tilbury, potentially missing deliveries and the weekend at home. Police forces across the country made arrests: 17 in Essex, four in Greater Manchester, five in Kent, and four in Durham on suspicion of aggravated trespass or public nuisance.
An Amazon spokesman responded: 'We take our responsibilities very seriously. That includes our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040, providing excellent pay and benefits in a safe and modern work environment, and supporting British small businesses. We know there is always more to do.'
Extinction Rebellion said the blockades were part of an international action targeting Amazon centres in the US, Germany, and the Netherlands. Protesters acknowledged they had upset people but argued they had tried conventional avenues with no success.
