Information
Just Stop Oil announced that it is ending its campaign of disruptive climate protests, marking the conclusion of actions such as throwing soup on Van Gogh paintings, spraying cornstarch on Stonehenge, and slow-marching in streets. The environmental activist group, which has been widely criticised for its controversial tactics, claimed its campaign was one of the most successful civil resistance movements in recent history. The decision follows the UK government’s formal commitment to ending new oil and gas projects. Despite stepping away from their direct-action protests, the group vowed to continue advocating for political prisoners and challenging what they call the UK’s oppressive anti-protest laws.
Founded in 2022, Just Stop Oil gained global attention through high-profile demonstrations, including blocking roads, disrupting sports events, and vandalising historic sites. Some of their most recent actions involved pouring liquid latex over a Tesla robot, spraying orange powder on Stonehenge, and painting over Charles Darwin’s grave at Westminster Abbey. Many of these acts led to arrests and imprisonment of activists. The group has announced one final protest in Parliament Square in April before shifting to a new strategy for civil resistance. While details of their future plans remain unclear, they emphasised their commitment to continuing their fight for climate action in a different way.
Source: AFP, Reuters
So what
It seems highly unlikely that Just Stop Oil has been the most effective protest group in recent history. Their actions have likely had the opposite effect of what they intended, driving people away from the climate change movement rather than gaining support. While groups like Extinction Rebellion may continue to use disruptive methods, the cessation of Just Stop Oil’s road blockades and monument attacks will likely be viewed positively by the general public. Interestingly, they have commented on the UK’s new anti-protest laws, which were largely influenced by their actions.
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