My parking brake started making a horrible squealing sound yesterday.
After trying various things, it released after I raised the suspension.
It is now stuck again and nothing is releasing it.

I tried the release loop that is hidden under the handbrake button.
It travels up for about an inch then stops. I pulled it pretty much as hard as I could and it goes no further and doesn't release the brake.

I really need the care badly today.
Is it possible to release at the rear wheels?

It needs pulling really hard.
So hard you think it will break

And it won't break?
What did you pull it with?

I believe ppl use the jack handle from the boot

Don’t know if you have room on that model

Do you hold down the brake button for 3 seconds while turning off the engine to stop the auto brake engaging?

That’s when it’s working
And generally for the manual transmission discovery

Okay, first, thanks a million, Andy.
Couldn't see how the jack handle could catch the loop but I used it to twist the coat hanger around to make a handle.
I pulled as hard as I could, didn't feel any movement, the coat hanger eventually bent and came flying up, buttttt....brake released!

I tested and yes, with it in P, hold down the brake button (disengage), turn off engine, continue holding brake button down for 3 seconds and it doesn't re-engage automatically.

New problem. These screws won’t catch at all.

Sorry I'm not familiar with that model year, so can't help with your screws.

I thought once you had pulled the manual release, then a light or message would be stuck on the dash and a mechanic would have to do cleaver things to get it to work again. (diagnostic tool and/or under the rear of the car) and of course fix the reason why it was stuck on in the first place

But I’m still holding down the handbrake button every time I stop the car as I’m not sure if auto mode is off or not.

You de-activate the auto apply park brake mode permanently via the CCF files.

Cheers
Col