Just Stop Oil, the environmental campaign group, has announced an end to its high-profile protests, including throwing soup on famous paintings and slow marching in streets. In a statement, the group claimed that its primary demand to halt new oil and gas exploration had been achieved, as recent government policies align with their goal. The group celebrated its success in preventing the extraction of over 4.4 billion barrels of oil and welcomed court rulings that deemed new oil and gas licences unlawful.
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The campaign, known for its disruptive actions such as gluing protesters to roads and vandalising well-known landmarks, stated that although their public protests are ending, the fight is far from over. They acknowledged the ongoing legal repercussions faced by many of their members, including fines, surveillance, and prison sentences. Just Stop Oil added that while their protests will change form, they are preparing a new strategy to address corporate and political corruption, warning that nothing short of a revolution will protect against future environmental crises.
The Labour government has recently committed to stopping the issuance of new oil and gas licences, with several high-profile court cases halting fossil fuel projects across the UK. However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has distanced himself from Just Stop Oil, with the group facing widespread criticism for its direct action tactics. Despite this, their actions have undoubtedly brought attention to climate issues, with significant disruption caused at sports events, cultural sites, and major infrastructure points.
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In the past three years, hundreds of Just Stop Oil protesters have been arrested, and some have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in demonstrations. Notably, co-founder Roger Hallam had his five-year sentence reduced by one year after appealing to the High Court. While the group’s public protests may be over, their commitment to environmental activism remains, and they have hinted at a new phase of action to continue their mission.
