Students occupy Gherkin over Swiss Re’s stance on Coral Triangle gas projects

Students occupied the foyer of the Gherkin in London to protest against reinsurance firm Swiss Re’s position on fossil gas projects in the Coral Triangle.

The demonstration, organised by student groups Generation 1.5 and No New Workers, saw protesters call on Swiss Re to rule out insuring new liquefied natural gas developments in the region.

Yesterday (9 June 2026), campaigners chanted slogans including “protect our oceans, protect our future” and “Swiss Re, you can’t hide, don’t insure this ecocide”.

The Coral Triangle contains around 76% of the world’s known coral species and supports the livelihoods of more than 360 million people. Campaigners argue that fossil fuel expansion would increase environmental risks in the region.

Protesters attempted to deliver a letter to Swiss Re but were prevented from doing so.

Police were called, however no arrests were made.

A 17-year-old student involved in the protest said: “We are demanding Swiss Re rules out the insuring of new oil and gas projects in the Coral Triangle.

“Insurers have the power to stop extractive and destructive projects like this by withdrawing support, but they need to be willing to act.”

Talent concerns

The protest follows an open letter signed by more than 70 organisations calling on insurers to exclude fossil gas expansion projects in the Coral Triangle and other environmentally sensitive areas.

The demonstration also highlighted concerns around the insurance industry’s ability to attract younger talent.

Shana Sullivan, a PhD student and spokesperson for No New Workers, said students were increasingly willing to use career choices to pressure financial institutions.

“As students we pledge to boycott careers in any such insurance or financial companies that prop up the fossil fuel or arms industries, while calling on our peers to do the same,” she said.

The campaign comes amid wider debate across the insurance market about attracting young professionals into the sector. According to research, just 13% of students would consider a career in insurance.

Campaigners argued that opposition to underwriting practices linked to fossil fuel projects could further affect perceptions of the sector among younger generations.