’Biba needs to decide if ‘A New Era’ means floods, fires, heat waves and climate chaos, or one where brokers refuse to cover carbon bomb projects,’ says protester 

Climate activists protested outside the Biba Conference in Manchester today (14 May 2025) to demand that the industry stops backing fossil fuel projects.

Beginning outside Manchester Central from 8am, the protest featured a life-sized model of a ‘sinking’ Lamborghini sports car to highlight the risks of extreme weather caused by climate crisis.

There was also a climate choir, samba drummers, street theatre, synchronised dance and testimonies by people affected by extreme weather.

This is the third year Biba has been a target, with the protest being organised by members of Extinction Rebellion (XR), Friends of the Earth, Manchester Greenpeace and the Insure Our Survival campaign.

Protester statement

A spokesperson for the protest said: “Large fossil fuel projects can’t go ahead without insurance. Unlike the oil companies, who publicly deny the science and have no other game they play, insurance companies know the risks of climate inaction and are seeing their entire business model threatened by extreme weather from climate change.

“Biba needs to decide if ‘A New Era’ means floods, fires, heat waves and climate chaos, or one where brokers refuse to cover carbon bomb projects.”

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.