A WOOD-burning power station was targeted by protesters today after its owners reported annual earnings of more than  £1 billion.

Activists held a demonstration outside Drax Power Station, demanding an end to public subsidies for burning trees to generate electricity.

The protest followed an announcement that Drax Group had made record profits in 2024, just weeks after the government pledged a further £2bn in bill-payer subsidies for the company.

Rosie from campaign group Axe Drax said: “It is perverse hypocrisy that the same private company can have billions in subsidies from our bills pledged in the same month they announce over a billion in earnings, all while our genuine public services continue to crumble.

“We should not be lining the pockets for Drax’s shareholders while seeing cruel cuts to winter fuel payment and disability benefits.”

Helen Hart from Extinction Rebellion Leeds said: “Time and again we are seeing this government failing to stand up to powerful interests and do the right thing.

“That’s why we need a citizens’ assembly that is independent and made up of a cross-section of ordinary people.”