Liz Truss’ Tory conference speech derailed by Greenpeace protesters
Two Greenpeace protesters held the sign during today's speech.
By Nick Reilly
Liz Truss’ speech at the Tory conference has been briefly derailed by protesters holding signs reading ‘Who voted for this?’
The Prime Minister briefly paused while the protesters were removed from the main conference room in Birmingham after holding up a bright yellow Greenpeace sign.
Their slogan referred to the fact that Truss took over from Boris Johnson without winning a general election, instead voted for as lead by just 81,000 Tory party members.
She has faced tough criticism since becoming leader after unveiling controversial ideas including the now-scrapped idea to abolish the top rate of tax.
She has also pledged to lift a ban on fracking, despite a government report suggesting little has been done to reduce the risk of earthquakes caused by the controversial practice.
Greenpeace tweeted: “Greenpeace activists have interrupted @TrussLiz speech at #CPC22 to denounce the prime minister ‘shredding’ her party’s 2019 manifesto promises.
“The PM is U-turning on fracking, strong climate action, and world-leading environmental protections. Who voted for this?”
Truss opened her speech by walking on stage to M People’s ‘Moving On Up’, before pledging to lead Britain through “stormy” circumstances.
She took aim at critics including Labour, the Lib Dems and SNP and said they were part of an “anti-growth” coalition alongside “the militant unions, the vested interests, the talking heads, the Brexit deniers, Extinction Rebellion and some of the people we had in the hall earlier.”
She concluded: “That is why we can’t give in to the voices of decline. We can’t give in to those who say Britain can’t grow faster. We can’t give in to those who say we can’t do better. We must stay the course.
“We are the only party with a clear plan to get Britain moving. We are the only party with a determination to deliver. Together we can unleash the full potential of our great country. That is how we will build a new return for a new era.”