Esso parent company,Reject claims they influenced President Bush
Greenpeace activists have shut down one of Britain's largest fuel distribution centres. Between 20 and 30 protesters have taken up positions on a flat roof above a tanker area at the Purfleet depot in Essex.
The protesters are campaigning against global warming and are displaying a 100ft banner that reads "Stop Esso - Stop Bush". Fifty-two protesters, including five dressed as tigers, shut down the plant at 5.30am this morning.
The protesters blocked Esso tankers at the depot entrance and exit with two red customised shipping containers that have been bolted to the road. Banners featuring the face of US President George W Bush and the words "Global Warming Villain" have been attached to the containers.
Esso reject claims
Greenpeace claims that President Bush's decision to pull out of the Kyoto Protocol on climate change is partly due to lobbying by the ExxonMobile Corporation, Esso's parent company. However, a spokesman for Esso has rejected the claims as "ridiculous".
A spokesman added that operations at its Purfleet depot had been shut down this morning and deliveries suspended to ensure the safety of staff and the protesters.
