As the law closes in on protestors who engage in direct action, Anushka Asthana asks if we can expect such methods to become an ever-present part of daily life.
Just Stop Oil is a nonviolent civil resistance group demanding the UK Government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects.
The prominant British environmental activist group, has been making headlines with their unconventional methods of civil resistance in pursuit of a fossil fuel-free future. Founded in February 2022, the group has been at the forefront of protests at English oil terminals since April of the same year.
The core objective of Just Stop Oil is to persuade the British government to halt all new fossil fuel licensing and production agreements. Through acts of civil disobedience, direct action, vandalism, and traffic obstruction, the group is seeking to garner public attention and force the government into action.
Their methods have garnered both criticism and approval from the public and authorities alike. While some commend their commitment to the cause, others condemn their disruptive tactics, such as obstructing traffic and causing damage to property.
On their website, Just Stop Oil outlines their demands for the UK government to invest in renewable energy and improve energy efficiency in buildings by enhancing thermal insulation. Their vision of a sustainable future revolves around eliminating reliance on fossil fuels entirely. One unique aspect of the group is their non-hierarchical structure. Operating as autonomous blocs, members of Just Stop Oil share resources and responsibilities without having a formal leadership in place.Drawing inspiration from other climate activist groups like Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain, Just Stop Oil primarily resorts to nonviolent direct action and civil resistance. However, they also focus on targeting cultural institutions as part of their protest strategy.
Despite their commitment to peaceful protests, the group has faced accusations of causing inconvenience and disruption. Blocking roads and engaging in acts of vandalism have resulted in some public backlash. Spokesperson Emma Brown asserted that the group adheres to a “blue light policy,” ensuring the passage of emergency vehicles during their demonstrations.
In a recent development, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley suggested that the group has become less assertive in their protests following the arrest of suspected leaders. Nevertheless, Just Stop Oil remains resolute in its mission and vows to continue protesting, even if faced with potential changes to the Public Order Act.
The group’s influence has been significant, with over 2,100 arrests of their supporters and 138 individuals having spent time in prison since April 2022. Moreover, on June 14, the British government granted additional powers to the police to handle slow-walking protests orchestrated by Just Stop Oil, a tactic they’ve utilized to bring traffic to a standstill.
However, their activism has not been without controversy. Eight journalists covering Just Stop Oil protests were arrested as of November 2022, raising concerns about press freedom and freedom of speech. Various public figures, including Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, have condemned these arrests, emphasizing the importance of protecting journalists’ rights to report on such events.
In terms of funding, Just Stop Oil relies solely on donations, accepting both traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies. Notably, the US-based Climate Emergency Fund has been a primary source of financial support for the group. Benefactors like Aileen Getty, a descendant of the Getty family that founded Getty Oil company, have contributed to the fund, leading to debates about the funding’s origin. However, the Climate Emergency Fund clarified that Getty herself is not involved in the fossil fuel industry.
As Just Stop Oil continues to gain momentum in its activism, the debate over their methods and objectives will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight. With the urgency of climate change ever-present, the group’s efforts to curb fossil fuel usage have ignited a national conversation about environmental responsibility and the path towards a greener future.
Find out more about Just Stop Oil here: https://juststopoil.org
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