Youth strike about climate change

There will be a national strike of all school students on Friday 15 February over the impact of climate change. The Daily Mail has predictably proclaimed "Fury as headteachers BACK pupil strike", and indeed the National Association of Head Teachers has welcomed the day, stating: 'When you get older pupils making an informed decision, that kind of thing needs to be applauded.'

Right-wing journalist, the inappropriately surnamed Toby Young, said: 'Calling this a strike is ridiculous. What are they going to do? Down pencils? This is just truanting.' Such sarcasm about a demonstration by the very people who will suffer from the effects of climate change for far longer than Mr Young will is particularly misjudged.

In Merseyside, assemble 11.00 a.m. at St Georges Hall. Not sure whether this means the Hall or the Plateau but that will doubtless become clear upon arrival.