Environmental campaign group Just Stop Oil has announced a significant shift in its strategy, declaring it will cease its direct action protests, which have often sparked nationwide debate and controversy. The group has stated that their demands to halt the issuance of new oil and gas licences have been accepted as government policy. This development has led Just Stop Oil to describe itself as “one of the most successful civil resistance campaigns in recent history.”

In a formal statement, Just Stop Oil expressed pride in its achievements: “We’ve kept over 4.4 billion barrels of oil in the ground and the courts have ruled new oil and gas licences unlawful.” The group’s diverse range of protests has included notable events over the past three years, such as throwing soup on Vincent van Gogh’s painting “Sunflowers,” spray painting Charles Darwin’s grave, and climbing onto gantries on the M25 motorways. Earlier this month, six activists from the group, including co-founder Roger Hallam, had their jail sentences reduced by the Court of Appeal due to their involvement in protests during 2022.

To mark the end of this chapter, Just Stop Oil plans to hold a final act of protest at Parliament Square on 26 April. The group is not entirely stepping away from activism, stating that while direct action will cease, they will continue to “tell the truth” in courtrooms and support those facing legal repercussions due to their protests.

The announcement has received mixed reactions across the media. In statements provided to the Daily Mail, Just Stop Oil noted that their decision to halt their demonstrations signifies the conclusion of stunts that have included pouring paint on a Tesla shop’s robots and pouring cornstarch on Stonehenge. They remarked, “So it is the end of soup on Van Goghs, cornstarch on Stonehenge and slow marching in the streets.” However, the group also highlighted ongoing challenges, stating that the cessation of direct action does not equate to an end of legal battles, mentioning issues of surveillance, fines, probation, and lengthy prison sentences for their members.

Additionally, Just Stop Oil claimed to have exposed “the corruption at the heart of our legal system, which protects those causing death and destruction while prosecuting those seeking to minimize harm.” This commentary underscores their broader critique of governmental responses to climate activism and the treatment of protest-related offences.

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for Just Stop Oil as it transitions from direct action to a focus on legal advocacy and political discussions surrounding environmental policies. It remains to be seen how this shift will influence future environmental movements and the political landscape regarding climate issues.

Source: Noah Wire Services