Warning labels placed at Wigan petrol stations in Extinction Rebellion protest

Activists from Extinction Rebellion (XR) put up stickers at eight fuel stations across the borough, ranging from the BP garage at junction 27 of the M6 to the Shell one in Ashton.

The labels range from graphic pictures of lung disease, similar to images used on cigarette packets, to adaptations of the Government’s coronavirus messages and Lord Kitchener’s famous ‘Your Country Needs You’.

Campaigners say air pollution is linked to more than 130 deaths in Wigan each year, among the highest rates in the North West, and roads in the borough are likely to have illegally-high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in 2021.

The Wigan action was part of a national campaign led by Doctors for Extinction Rebellion, which aimed to raise awareness of health issues related to fossil fuels without causing disruption or provoking confrontation while also adhering to social distancing.

The group’s co-founder Dr Chris Newman said: “It is our duty as health professionals to warn the public that continued fossil fuel use is wrecking our life support systems.

“We no longer have time to ask for permission. As a group we will continue to do what the science and our duty of care asks of us, and we urge our government to do the same. And if they won’t, you can be sure the people will.”

Health professionals in the group say air pollution is stunting children’s lung growth.