A GROUP of Oxford parents backing the 'school strikes' over climate are encouraging adults to show their support at the latest protest, on Friday.

Oxford's 'Parents For Future' group will join demonstrators in Bonn Square as pupils again walk out of classes to send a message to politicians about the ecological crisis.

The event – timed to coincide with another global day of walkouts, inspired by Swedish teen Greta Thunberg – is the fourth of its kind in Oxford, with thousands demonstrating over February, March and April.

The parent contingent is encouraging 'adults to join hands around the youth strike in Oxford at midday on Friday to show our love and protection'.

Oxford Mail:

Rowan Ryrie, a city mum of two and one of the group's organisers, said: “When you look at your kids and think about their future, climate change suddenly starts to feel very immediate.

"My eldest daughter is only four - while her generation will be hugely impacted by climate change, she is too young to join the strikes on her own. I am taking part on her behalf and encouraging others to join their voices with the strikers in calling for the radical action we need.”

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The strikes have divided opinion, with some suggesting pupils should never miss classes.

But Greta, the Swedish teenager who started the climate strike movement – and recently met Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran during a day of talks at Parliament – has called on adults to help.

READ AGAIN: 'School Strike' Oxford: Pupils bunked off last time, says head

Parents For Future say it is working closely with the youth strikes movement locally, nationally and internationally.

The group are planning 11-minute actions at 11am every Friday in Oxford to represent the 11 years the United Nations suggests the world has left to take urgent action on the issue. It will also support parents and 'monitor school responses to strikes'.

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The group also plan to identify actions adults can take in their personal and professional lives to combat climate change.

Ms Ryrie, a 37-year-old environmental lawyer, continued: “If something, or someone, you love is in danger what would you do to help them?

READ MORE: Oxford divided as headteacher compromises

"Whatever that is, we need to do it now. By working together across generations we have the power to make our leaders act to give our children the future we hope for them.”

She added: “This is an existential threat that needs all of us, parents and politicians, to step out of our comfort zones and take action.

READ AGAIN: Strike three - school students show up in Easter holidays

"My generation of 30-somethings didn’t grow up in an era of protests and taking to the streets in protest feels uncomfortable for many of us but how else can we start to generate the political will that is needed to make change happen?”