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OUT OF THE SWAMP

Eco-warrior Swampy who protested in the 1990s is back to join Extinction Rebellion

VETERAN eco-warrior Swampy, who made his name during a series of environmental protests in the 1990s, is back after joining Extinction Rebellion.

Daniel Hooper became a national figure after living underground for a week in a tunnel protesting against the rerouting of the A30 in Devon.

Daniel Hooper, known as Swampy, was pictured outside Haverfordwest Magistrates Court yesterday
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Daniel Hooper, known as Swampy, was pictured outside Haverfordwest Magistrates Court yesterdayCredit: Athena Picture Agency
Hooper was dubbed Swampy in 1996 after he became the face of the Newbury bypass protests by living in tunnels underneath the road
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Hooper was dubbed Swampy in 1996 after he became the face of the Newbury bypass protests by living in tunnels underneath the roadCredit: Reuters

The 46-year-old, who now lives in West Wales, was also involved in a series of high-profile environmental campaigns, also targeting the M11, Newbury bypass and Manchester Airport.

He has kept a low profile for a decade but has now joined Extinction Rebellion, saying the group gives him "hope".

Hooper told ITV News: "My beliefs are the same as they always were and I did have a quiet 10 years, almost to the point where you have apathy towards how we can change things, then Extinction Rebellion started happening.

"You think there is hope and I believe there is hope and now everyone need to think about what we are doing, governments needs to change, companies need to change.

"We need People's Assemblies to decide what to do, this is a state of emergency."

Hooper was yesterday fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £32 surcharge after appearing before magistrates in Haverfordwest.

He pleaded guilty to wilful obstruction of a highway after blocking a road to the Valero Pembroke Refinery during a protest last month.

Hooper was given the nickname Swampy in 1996 after he became the face of the Newbury bypass protests by living in tunnels underneath the roadworks.

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He also climbed trees with other activists to protest about the construction of the new road.

Hooper has now revealed he will be joining at least 30,000 climate change protesters in central London.

Police confirmed they have made 319 arrests for various offences after the capital was brought to a standstill this week.

Asked if he would be joining the protests, he said: "Yes, definitely. Yes. Yes. I'll be taking the bus to London."

Extinction Rebellion protestors block streets and bridges in London on first day of two-week protest
Swampy, left, has his torch lit by fellow campaigner after abseiling down a cliff on the site of the proposed second runway at Manchester airport
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Swampy, left, has his torch lit by fellow campaigner after abseiling down a cliff on the site of the proposed second runway at Manchester airportCredit: PA:Press Association
Swampy was pictured at the new A30 road site at Fairmile, near Honiton, after protesting with fellow campaigners
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Swampy was pictured at the new A30 road site at Fairmile, near Honiton, after protesting with fellow campaignersCredit: PA:Press Association
Cops continue to make arrests after London was brought to a standstill by around 30,000 Extinction Rebellion protesters
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 Cops continue to make arrests after London was brought to a standstill by around 30,000 Extinction Rebellion protestersCredit: PA:Press Association
Swampy has said he plans to join the protests in the capital
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Swampy has said he plans to join the protests in the capitalCredit: PA:Press Association

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