Exeter Extinction Rebellion activists protest outside Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital calling for NHS funding increase
Exeter's Extinction Rebellion activists have staged a socially distanced protest calling for increased NHS funding after the coronavirus pandemic.
The climate change activists stood three metres apart outside the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital today (Saturday 30 May).
They called on the government to focus on a recovery plan that "safeguards health now and into the future."
They also called on increased pay for key workers and more funding for the NHS.
Protesters wore face masks and stood three metres apart from one another on Barrack Road, holding signs.
One resident, Becky Wells, said: "Coronavirus has clarified what's important: safety, security and good health services for all, family and relationships, not more 'things' and luxury travel.
"We have perhaps the only chance we'll ever have, to plan for a fairer, cleaner, better future."
Today's action follows a protest earlier in May, urging leaders to allocate more space on the roads for walkers and cyclists.
In recent weeks local councils in the West Country have fast-tracked plans to make social distancing on the roads easier and cut traffic pollution.
In Bristol plans to pedestrianise a large part of the city centre are in place, which could include roads being shut to traffic and wider pavements.
Similar announcements have been made in Bath and Gloucestershire.