Extinction Rebellion blockading Yorkshire Amazon warehouse to disrupt Black Friday

The group is blocking entrances to the Doncaster warehouse using bamboo structures, lock-ons, and banners reading: ‘people over profit’ and ‘infinite growth, finite planet’.

Activists intend to remain in position for at least 48 hours.

The blockade is part of an international action by Extinction Rebellion targeting 15 Amazon fulfilment centres in the UK, US, Germany and the Netherlands.

“This action is targeting Amazon because it exemplifies how the current economic system unsustainably exploits workers and the planet in the pursuit of endless growth,” Extinction Rebellion stated.

The group is accusing Amazon of a long list of “crimes,” from tax avoidance and exploitation of workers, to rampant wastefulness and ecological destruction

Merry, one of the activists blockading the site, said: "I am a young person, and I have joined this action because we must address the economic system that is driving the ecological crisis and trapping us in business as usual.

“If we don't address the endless drive for economic growth and profit and what it does to our planet and our society, we will not stop the current planetary emergency.”

An Amazon spokesperson said: “At Amazon, we take our responsibilities very seriously.

"That includes our commitment to be net zero carbon by 2040 - 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement - providing excellent pay and benefits in a safe and modern work environment, and supporting the tens of thousands of British small businesses who sell on our store.

"We know there is always more to do, and we’ll continue to invent and invest on behalf of our employees, customers, small businesses and communities in the UK.

"We’re proud to have invested £32bn in the UK since 2010, creating 10,000 new permanent jobs across the country this year alone, and generating a total UK tax contribution of £1.55bn in 2020.”

Black Friday - typically the busiest shopping day of the year - sees brands slash prices and offer landmark deals as consumers seek out bargains ahead of Christmas.

However, Extinction Rebellion has described the day as 'wasteful'.