From Legal Struggles to Environmental Justice: The Fight Against Drax’s Greenwashing and Biomass Deception

On December 14, 2021, a freight train transporting wood pellets to the Drax Power Station was halted outside Selby, North Yorkshire. Standing in front of the train in orange high-vis, Diana Warner, a retired GP and member of Extinction Rebellion and the Axe Drax coalition, decried UK’s “most ridiculous power station” chopping down forests to produce “renewable” electricity and perpetuating environmental racism in marginalized communities in Canada and Southern US.

Diana’s courageous actions have left her in a legal struggle which could land her in prison, the decision being taken to Leeds Crown Court in the last week of February. Climate activists are about to launch a campaign in the Leeds City Centre, to support Diana and to further expose Drax’s greenwashing operations.

Carbon Neutral wood pellets?

Formerly the UK’s largest coal power station, Drax began switching from coal to biomass fuel, namely the wood pellet; small compressed cylinders formed from sawdust, wood shavings and forest leftovers in this century. Today, Drax burns 6.5 million tonnes of imported wood pellets annually, generating about 6% of the nation’s electricity and receives over £700 million government subsidies on average every year for this “renewable energy source”. However, with a closer look, wood pellets are by no means as “renewable” as Drax claims, but explicit greenwashing. 

Drax’s claims that these wood pellets are carbon-neutral are incredibly misleading. One is led to believe that the CO2 released during combustion is countered by the carbon absorbed by newly planted trees that replace removed forests, delivering climate benefits as a fossil fuel substitute. But this explanation is flawed since burning wood pellets releases carbon immediately, whereas replanted trees take decades to recapture equal CO2. Scientific analyses indicate that the regrowth of new trees to maturity spans 44 to 104 years, meaning “burning wood pellets would create a carbon debt that would not be paid off” in the current climate emergency.

The replanted forests are not capable of recreating the original natural forests, which serve as irreplaceable carbon sinks and wildlife habitats due to their rich biodiversity and complex ecosystems. BBC Panorama discovered data from British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests showing the company took over 40,000 tonnes of wood from old-growth forests in 2023, which may permanently degrade carbon-rich ecosystems.

Struggling with compliance 

Drax has a poor track record in regard to long term sustainability. Its wood pellet factories in the US and Canada have repeatedly exceeded toxic air pollutant limits and contaminated waterways in marginal communities. In Gloster, a low-income, majority-Black community in Mississippi, local residents around Drax’s Amite BioEnergy pellet factory have suffered from respiratory diseases related to air pollution. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality penalized Drax $2.5 million for exceeding emission limits and Drax Group’s six pellet factories in the US have had over 8,700 similar breachers since 2020. Drax also paid a £25 million UK government fine in 2024 for misreporting its wood sources. 

£470 million subsidies a year from 2027?

The UK government has determined that Drax’s must halve their annual subsidy to £470 million from 2027 to 2035 but only if their wood source is 100% sustainable. However, this compromise is not adequate in light of the urgency of the climate crisis, £470 million a year is still far too high. The prior subsidies and enormous number of “sustainability-linked loans” (SSL) issued by large commercial banks with reduced interest rates and accountability requirements has meant that Drax faces limited constraints in expanding its biomass business. As of August 2024, Drax has accepted its biggest $553 million SLL to date.

As studies from E3G show, biomass is not necessary to meet the UK’s 2030 energy decarbonization target, green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, is a better alternative for back-up power. The real focus should be accelerating offshore wind generation and related infrastructure, smart metering and regulations on gas-fired plant rather than funding a bogus option with taxpayer’s money.

Diana’s trial is on February 24th-26th. Extinction Rebellion Leeds is going to hold a funeral for the trees and a court support in the city centre, bringing more awareness to Drax’s deeds and energy transition strategies. We are calling for more people to join in. If you’re interested, join the campaign’s group chat by contacting Zane via xinzhi0902@gmail.com Hope to hear your voices outside the Court!

Words by Xinzhi Zhou

Image credit: Gerard Liston
Image credit: Gerard Liston

Protests and Partnerships: Examining the University’s Role in Global Political Conflicts

Across the US, protests in response to the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict have been cropping up at various Universities. Starting at Columbia University with a peaceful protest that was broken up by the police force on 17 April, a quickly spreading movement began. Students from universities all over the US are organising protests in support of Palestine, with some taking over campuses and organising encampments. At present, over 1,000 people have been arrested after demonstrations that ended in police intervention.

Several pro-Israel counterprotests were organised, demanding the release of hostages. Columbia professor Shai Davidai has accused Palestine supporters of being “pro-terror” and advocated for the clearing of the university’s encampment.

The movement has now reached the UK, where several universities are starting to see an increase in protests on campus. Students in Leeds, Newcastle, Bristol and Warwick, among others, have organised encampments outside university buildings. As of 2 May, UCL started the first London-based encampment and are demanding that the university divest from companies that uphold the system of apartheid, that they condemn Israeli war crimes and they pledge to assist the rebuilding of Gaza’s destroyed universities. A Newcastle student spoke to the BBC about their demands and was quoted saying that “What’s happened at Columbia has obviously inspired us to a degree but we have been thinking about this for a while” and that they have similar goals to US students, but will be “less heavy-handed generally than the US”.

In March, a group of students occupied the Parkinson building for 2 weeks. The occupation was led by the Leeds Socialist Worker Student Society (SWSS), Student Rebellion Leeds and the University of Leeds Palestine Solidarity Group (PSG). Following multiple requests to the University to end their partnerships with BAE systems and Israeli Universities, to stand with Palestine, and to suspend rabbi Zecharia Deutsch, who served in the Israeli army; the groups decided to occupy the main building on campus in order to protest against the lack of communication from the university. The occupation ended on 21 March after university management agreed to negotiate with their demands.

On 2 May, The Union of Jewish Students, representing over 9,000 Jewish students in the UK and Ireland according to their website, issued a statement claiming Jewish students are angry and tired of the antisemtic hatred on campuses since October 7th. They claim that “While students have a right to protest, these encampments create a hostile and toxic atmosphere on campus for Jewish students.”

The 75 year old conflict between Palestine and Israel sits on the cusp between politics and human rights. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have engaged in separate legal proceedings involving Israel. The ICC, which prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, has started an investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories in 2021. There is now growing suspicion that the UN’s ICC might seek arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and other political leaders on suspicion of war crimes. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has been involved in a significant case brought by South Africa against Israel concerning allegations of genocide in the Gaza Strip. In January, the ICJ issued provisional measures instructing Israel to refrain from committing acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention.

University of Leeds currently has several industrial partners that provide training, placements, hardware and software for Fluid Dynamic research. One of these partnering companies is BAE Systems, a British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company. A report by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) claims that the company has supplied F-35 fighter jets to Israel, which have been used in their attack on the Gaza Strip, which has, as of March 2024, killed over 31,000 Palestinians and injured over 70,000. BAE’s client list is very secretive, thus accurate information on how their arms are being used is uncertain. The university also currently partners with two Israeli universities, Reichman University and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The president of Reichman University, Boaz Ganor, has written several highly political articles following October 7, some of them quoting: “Their lives [Palestinians] in Gaza, which were difficult already, will now become unbearable for many years to come,” “The prevailing issue on US campuses today revolves around the ignorance of useful idiots who align themselves with both modern and classic antisemites,” the latter in response to student organisations announcing their support for Palestine.

Universities have long stood as pillars of knowledge and debate, where the exchange of ideas is not only encouraged but essential for the academic and ethical development of students. As global conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian issue persist, an important question arises: do universities hold a moral or ethical responsibility to address these international political issues? Universities are faced with the dilemma of remaining impartial platforms for open debate or taking active stances on political issues such as war, with opinions divided on whether neutrality preserves academic freedom or if engagement is necessary for advocating human rights. The ongoing campus protests and partnerships with corporations and foreign universities are central to this debate, highlighting deep divisions within the academic community on the appropriate role for educational institutions in global politics.

The ongoing conflict challenges universities to define their roles in an interconnected world: should they remain detached observers, or active participants in advocating for global justice and human rights?

Pro-Palestine Protesters Occupy Parkinson Building in Protest for Palestine

Pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Leeds have entered the third day of an occupation of  the Parkinson building. 

A video released by the Socialist Worker Student society on Instagram set out the four main demands of the protestors. 

“We want BAE arms companies off our campus. We want an end to the Israeli partnerships. We want no war criminals on our campus, and we want the University to make a powerful statement in support of the Palestinian people.”

The students were seen with tents, electrical devices, food and water, indicating their intention to stay put rather than leave. An agenda was shared on their social pages titled the “occupation timetable,” which encompassed various workshops and prayers alongside scheduled discussions. 

Yesterday, students were allegedly locked in the Parkinson building at 16:30, as the University management denied entry to anyone from the outside. Student Rebellion took to their Instagram to share updates on the situation. 

“They’ve kicked students out of a library and are refusing entry to people whose stuff is inside!” 

“They’re stopping our workshops and trying to frighten us by keeping us trapped in here until 10am (17 hours). This is completely unacceptable and incredibly unfair on not only us, but also those who are trying to study.”

Protesters can be heard chanting inside the building, with an estimated 100 students locked inside. They may leave if they wish to, but have been told that they will not be allowed entry once they exit the building.

The Gryphon spoke to some of the protesters outside. 

“I think it’s abysmal. The consistent response the University has had towards the ongoing conflict has only been aggressive. It is clear what side they stand for.”  

Another student expressed her concerns for her safety on campus, stating, “I don’t feel my safety is guaranteed here; the students inside are not being respected in any way.”

The University is holding an open day on Saturday, however they have declared Parkinson Building to be closed until Monday.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the University of Leeds said: “The University is currently monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and access for those working and studying in the Parkinson Building. Whilst we respect the right to free speech and peaceful expression within the law, equally, we will work to minimise disruption for building users.

“We know that many in our community are distressed and directly impacted by the terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza, and we will continue to do more to support our students, understand their feelings, act to protect the cohesion of our community, and tackle hatred wherever it is found.”

The students say they will occupy the building until the University meet with them to discuss their demands. 

Leeds student walkout: voices amplified in solidarity with Palestine amidst growing humanitarian crisis

Yesterday (Wednesday 7th February), the Leeds student walk out in solidarity with Palestine took place in front of the Parkinson building.

According to organisers, approximately 200 individuals attended the protest and march organised by the Leeds Socialist Worker Student Society in collaboration with other societies from University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University. The protest joined a national walkout calling on institutions to demand an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. They called on the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University to end their partnerships with Israeli universities and the British arms-maker BAE Systems. They also called for student unions in Leeds to stand with Palestine.

The protest started outside the University of Leeds Parkinson building, with pro-Palestinian chants like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and “Ceasefire now.” With placards, banners and flags, the protesters started their march down Woodhouse Lane, in front of the Old Broadcasting House where participants made several speeches.

Among the participating unions were the Leeds City branch of RMT, Leeds University Amnesty International, Leeds City College, Leeds Palestine Solidarity Group, Leeds Beckett Palestine Society and several other societies from the universities. The organisers claim that this has been the biggest turnout for a walkout since the start of the protests in October. The march was followed by a convoy of taxis, some of them with Palestinian flags, showing their support and solidarity.

Image: @swssleeds on Instagram

The speakers talked about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is worsening according to various news agencies. The UN estimates that since the start of the war, 100,000 people in Gaza have been killed, injured or are missing. Al Jazeera estimates the death toll to be over 27,000.

Recently, nearly a dozen Western countries announced they will stop providing aid to Gaza through donations to UNRWA (The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), which is one of the main ways Palestinians receive aid. The funding cuts come after Israeli officials accused several UNRWA employees of being involved in the October 7th attack. The UNRWA’s commissioner general said: “it would be immensely irresponsible to sanction an Agency and an entire community it serves because of allegations of criminal acts against some individuals, especially at a time of war, displacement and political crises in the region.”. He also announced: “I urge countries who have suspended their funding to re-consider their decisions before UNRWA is forced to suspend its humanitarian response. The lives of people in Gaza depend on this support and so does regional stability”. 

Issy Beauvoisin, a member of the Socialist Worker Student Society,  called on students in Leeds to take part in weekly student walkouts. “Boycotting is really important and a really effective way to get to the crux of the issue and supporting things like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organise the Saturday demos.” The Leeds Palestine Solidarity Campaign has been organising protests every Saturday since the beginning of October in the Leeds City Centre. Beauvoisin said: “I’d love for our universities to become more involved, especially our student unions.We’re really trying to ask them to become a little more sympathetic to the issue of Palestine and support us more and allow us to do more activism on campus.”

The protesters also flew Yemen’s flag, in solidarity with the bombings taking place there right now. Since mid-November, Houthi rebels have been attacking ships and blocking the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine. According to CNN, the Suez Canal has great importance in global trade, with 12% of global trade passing through it yearly. When a ship got stuck and blocked the canal for almost a week in 2021, it caused interruptions in trade worth “as much as $10 billion in cargo each day.” 

Since the October 7th attacks, many world leaders have been accused by the media of mishandling the situation. As protests continue around the world, it is up to these leaders to decide the next moves in this conflict.

In a previous statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict, a spokesperson for the University of Leeds said “we are writing to express our continued support for all in our community who are affected by the terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza and its devastating impact on civilians in the region.”. They also said they are committed to free speech and the right to demonstrate.

Pro-Palestine groups hold student walkout protest at the Parkinson Steps – as it happened

Friday 17th Nov, 14:40pm

Some thoughts on the police presence seen on campus today by my colleague Josh Elgin

One of the interesting things we learnt today is that police attending student protests on campus is not isolated to the Just Stop Oil protest which took place last month.

There’s some important questions to be asked about whether its is appropriate for police to routinely attend student events on campus.

I’ve been speaking to a member of staff, who wishes to remain anonymous, who told me that in the past the police were told explicitly to not enter campus.

A police van arrived today just before the start of the protest and police officers were seen following the group towards the students’ union.

I will be looking into this issue further and have asked the University for a clarification on the current policy.


Friday 17th Nov, 14:00pm

Images from the march, taken by our photographer James Maslin-Bosher


Friday 17th Nov, 13:19pm

The protestors have begun a march through campus.


Friday 17th Nov, 13:18pm

The first speaker has returned, saying they will not vote Labour, and asking the audience what they think of the party. The question was answered with a ‘boo’ from the crowd.

Much of Leeds has returned strong results for Labour previously. Starmer has said he will not demand a ceasefire. The move caused the biggest rebellion from his parliamentary party since Starmer became the leader of the opposition. 56 Labour MPs voted in favour of a ceasefire.


Friday 17th Nov, 13:15pm

Benji, from the Socialist Workers Student Society, is now making a speech talking about their experience last weekend at the London protest.

A chant, “Ceasefire now” has begun.


Fri 17th Nov, 13:13pm

The first speech has begun, thanking the attendees for their commitment.

On the University of Leeds Chaplain, Zechariah Deutsch, who has taken leave and gone to Israel to fight for the Israel Defence Force (IDF), the speaker said “shame on you”.

They have now invited any other speakers to take the mic.


Fri 17th Nov, 13:08pm

The protest has begun, with protestors chanting “Israel is a terrorist state”.

There are roughly 40-50 people in attendance, many holding Socialist Worker posters.

There’s a police van across the street outside the Emmanuel Centre.


Fri 17th Nov, 13:00pm.

Welcome to The Gryphon live blog covering the student walkout organised by Leeds Socialist Workers Student Society.

We will cover the protest, speeches and reactions live from the Parkinson Steps.

The demands of the protestors are as follows:

  • “Ceasefire now”
  • “End the Occupation”
  • “End University Complicity”

The protest is against Israel’s military action in Palestine.

Whilst conflict has been ongoing for decades, the recent escalation followed Hamas’ attack of Israel on October 7 2023. Israel responded with similar force, and a war has been ongoing since.

There has been a profound effect of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. On 7 October, Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis and in the month since, Israel has killed over 10,000 Palestinian nationals.

Students, staff and the University react to Just Stop Oil paint demonstration

Today, Thursday 12th October, Just Stop Oil protestor Sam Holland was arrested for spraying orange paint on the Great Hall.

The national Just Stop Oil page tweeted a video of Holland spraying the paint and the subsequent arrest:

Holland, a Geography and Economics graduate from the University, gave a speech whilst being carried away by police. He said: “this university is complicit in genocide. We have to act.”

Holland referenced the university’s continued links to Equinor through a graduate scheme.

Equinor is one of the main operators of the Rosebank oil and gas field.

In September, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak supported new oil and gas extraction from Rosebank. This attracted accusations from some that the government was diluting its climate pledges, and that this move was incompatible with their target of net zero by 2050.


Just Stop Oil, a campaign group which demands no new oil and gas projects, had been heavily hinting at the use of their signature orange paint all week.

Image: James Maslin-Bosher

The rally was in protest to the university not signing a letter sent to them in September: “If you do not sign and return the attached letter by Friday 22nd September, students will have no choice but to bring a wave of civil disobedience to their campuses”.

University Vice Chancellors across the country were asked to sign a letter which “gives the government a clear ultimatum: either they stop new oil and gas licences, or you will be duty bound to join your students in slow marches across London to the point that you too will be arrested and imprisoned”.

Just Stop Oil are planning three weeks of resistance in London from the 29th October.

Their strategy is to march until the point of arrest. A high number of arrests can overwhelm the capacity of the Met police, who may then pressure the government to negotiate with the group.


Opinions on campus:

The Gryphon spoke to some members of the large crowd outside the orange-splattered Great Hall.

One student said: “I think it’s a bit excessive to be honest, there’s no need”.

However her friend defended the demonstration, saying there was a feeling of “uni spirit…students are the start of a rebellion”.

Image: James Maslin-Bosher

Asked whether the university was doing enough to combat the climate crisis one interviewee said, “well if it has to come to this, probably not”.

POLIS Professor Mette Wiggen also voiced support for the rally.

Image: James Maslin-Bosher

On the university’s links to oil and gas she said, “I think they should stop immediately, they should not take funding from them at all.”

Wiggen raised the importance of protest freedoms and surprise at the heavy police presence.

She said:

“I’m really concerned about the government’s attack on rights to demonstrate and rights of assembly, human rights really”.

Image: James Maslin-Bosher

In a statement to The Gryphon, a spokesperson for the University of Leeds said: “While we support the right to legal protest, we are hugely disappointed that todays demonstration led to the vandalism of a University building”. The Great Hall is a grade II listed building built in the late 19th Century.

On links to fossil fuel companies they said: “We avoid companies that are materially engaged in certain sectors, including thermal coal, the extraction of fossil fuels from tar sands, oil and gas extraction, production and refining”.

However they have continuing ties to financial providers, including Barclays and Lloyds, both of which finance oil and gas projects.

In its statement the university repeated its climate pledges, including the £174m Climate Plan which includes the target of net zero by 2030.


The paint was quickly jet-washed from the 19th Century facade.